Diagnose Baby Bottle Syndrome
Baby bottle syndrome occurs when carbohydrates, such as soda, sugary drinks, juice and milk or formula, remain in contact with your baby's teeth for long periods. This can happen with overnight bottle nursing or if your baby is keeping a sippy cup or bottle in his mouth a lot during the day. The liquid ferments, forming bacteria that collect around the teeth, leading to enamel damage and eventual tooth decay. There are some characteristic signs to look for when diagnosing baby bottle mouth syndrome.
Instructions
1. Notice whether your baby is bothered with tooth sensitivity. This is one of the first signs of damaged tooth enamel. You may notice it when he or she eats sweets or cold foods and liquids.
2. Look at the gums. There may be white, decalcified spots or streaks at the edge of the gum line. This may be the first indication that cavities are forming, and if not corrected, will eventually turn brown and begin to chip off.
3. Examine your baby's front teeth because these are the teeth which are most often affected. They are the first teeth to appear and therefore have the longest exposure time to the damaging bacteria. The tongue seems to protect the lower front teeth, but eventually they will show signs of damage because of the rapid progression of baby bottle tooth decay.
4. Check the surface of the teeth. You may notice small holes or pitting in the enamel with possible areas of discoloration if your baby already has damage. Begin cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they erupt with a washcloth. This is also a good way to visually inspect them and possibly prevent future tooth decay.
5. Visit a dentist when your baby begins to have his first teeth or by his first birthday. Bottle mouth syndrome is often undetected until a routine dental visit. By the time the decay is obvious, the teeth may already be severely damaged and require some type of restoration to save them. It's important to keep the baby teeth in place until the permanent teeth come in to help prevent crooked and overcrowded teeth.
Tags: your baby, baby teeth, tooth decay, your baby teeth, Baby Bottle, Baby Bottle Syndrome