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What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?
Baby bottle tooth decay now referred to as early childhood cavities is a pattern of rapid
decay associated with prolonged nursing. It takes place when a child goes to sleep while
breast-feeding and/or bottle-feeding containing juice or milk. Baby bottle decay or bottle
rot refers to the cavities that babies get from the sugar found naturally in milk and juices
when placed in bottles.
During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the
mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water
in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first
birthday. Your child should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Can thumb sucking be harmful for my child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded,
crooked teeth or bite problems due to misalignment of teeth and result in a need for
braces. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a
mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
Why must my child see a pediatric dentist instead of a regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of children. Following
dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years additional specialty training in the
unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health
needs.
Why is it necessary to take my child to the pediatric dentist every six months?
Regular visits help a child get comfortable with the dentists and our staff. These visits also
allow us to consistently evaluate your child's growth and take early corrective measures if
needed. Additionally, regular exams and cleanings help prevent decay and avoid costly
problems. Regular dental visits are part of leading a healthy and normal life for your child.
What causes tooth decay?
Three things are lead to dental cavities -- bacteria, sugars or other carbohydrates and time.
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on
everyone's teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to
produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the
enamel breaks down and a cavity is formed.
What are dental sealants and how do they work?
Sealants are a protective clear layer applied to the teeth deep pits and crevices of teeth,
usually it helps to keep the child's molar cavity-free. Sealants fill in the grooved and pitted
surfaces of the teeth, which are hard to clean. They prevent food particles and plaque from
getting caught and causing cavities. Fast and comfortable to apply, sealants can effectively
protect teeth for many years. Sealants need to be monitored and replaced if chipped. They
are important to maintain good oral health. Your child will get sealants when the first and
second permanent molars come in.
How safe are dental X-rays?
With contemporary safeguards, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, the amount of
radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. Even though there is
very little risk, pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of patients
to radiation. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and
untreated dental problem. X-rays are highly valuable to find hidden decay, oral pathology
and determine growth patterns.
My child plays sports. How should I protect my child's teeth?
A mouth guard should be a top priority on your child's list of sports equipment. Athletic
mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the
shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks, gums and jaws from
sports-related injuries. Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard, but a
custom-fitted mouth guard fitted by your pediatric dentist is your child's best protection
against sports-related injuries.
Baby bottle tooth decay now referred to as early childhood cavities is a pattern of rapid
decay associated with prolonged nursing. It takes place when a child goes to sleep while
breast-feeding and/or bottle-feeding containing juice or milk. Baby bottle decay or bottle
rot refers to the cavities that babies get from the sugar found naturally in milk and juices
when placed in bottles.
During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the
mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water
in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first
birthday. Your child should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Can thumb sucking be harmful for my child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded,
crooked teeth or bite problems due to misalignment of teeth and result in a need for
braces. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a
mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.
Why must my child see a pediatric dentist instead of a regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of children. Following
dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years additional specialty training in the
unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health
needs.
Why is it necessary to take my child to the pediatric dentist every six months?
Regular visits help a child get comfortable with the dentists and our staff. These visits also
allow us to consistently evaluate your child's growth and take early corrective measures if
needed. Additionally, regular exams and cleanings help prevent decay and avoid costly
problems. Regular dental visits are part of leading a healthy and normal life for your child.
What causes tooth decay?
Three things are lead to dental cavities -- bacteria, sugars or other carbohydrates and time.
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on
everyone's teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to
produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the
enamel breaks down and a cavity is formed.
What are dental sealants and how do they work?
Sealants are a protective clear layer applied to the teeth deep pits and crevices of teeth,
usually it helps to keep the child's molar cavity-free. Sealants fill in the grooved and pitted
surfaces of the teeth, which are hard to clean. They prevent food particles and plaque from
getting caught and causing cavities. Fast and comfortable to apply, sealants can effectively
protect teeth for many years. Sealants need to be monitored and replaced if chipped. They
are important to maintain good oral health. Your child will get sealants when the first and
second permanent molars come in.
How safe are dental X-rays?
With contemporary safeguards, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, the amount of
radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. Even though there is
very little risk, pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of patients
to radiation. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and
untreated dental problem. X-rays are highly valuable to find hidden decay, oral pathology
and determine growth patterns.
My child plays sports. How should I protect my child's teeth?
A mouth guard should be a top priority on your child's list of sports equipment. Athletic
mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the
shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks, gums and jaws from
sports-related injuries. Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard, but a
custom-fitted mouth guard fitted by your pediatric dentist is your child's best protection
against sports-related injuries.
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| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) |
P u r v i V. S h a h MS Nutrition, DDS, Pediatric Dentist Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry |
| 361 Village Square Lane, Suite 100, Castle Rock, CO 80108 |
| (303) 663 3388 |
| Send mail to webmaster@pediatricdenticare.com with comments about this website Copyright © 2006 pediatric denticare, p.c. |
Dr. Shah provides dental care for the children of Douglas County, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County and the
Greater Denver Metro Area. Children from many areas surrounding Castle Rock, Colorado come to Dr. Shah's practice,
including Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Franktown, Greenwood Village,
Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree, Monument, Parker and Sedalia.
Dr. Shah also provides pediatric dental care for children in her practice at The Children's Hospital, Denver, The Sky
Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado and at the Medical Center of Aurora.
Greater Denver Metro Area. Children from many areas surrounding Castle Rock, Colorado come to Dr. Shah's practice,
including Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Franktown, Greenwood Village,
Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree, Monument, Parker and Sedalia.
Dr. Shah also provides pediatric dental care for children in her practice at The Children's Hospital, Denver, The Sky
Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado and at the Medical Center of Aurora.
At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?
"First visit by first birthday" is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should
see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of
age, certainly no later than his/her first birthday.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
Newborns and infants under age one should have their gums and teeth cleaned with a
facecloth at least two times a day. A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head,
especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Parents should be brushing
the child’s teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime, which will remove
plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.
"First visit by first birthday" is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should
see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of
age, certainly no later than his/her first birthday.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
Newborns and infants under age one should have their gums and teeth cleaned with a
facecloth at least two times a day. A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head,
especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Parents should be brushing
the child’s teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime, which will remove
plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.
Our Mission When To Visit Colorado Dental Facts Why pediatric denticare? About Dr. Shah Appointments
Calming Anxiety Baby Teeth and Gums For Teenagers Preventive Dentistry Oral Health Tips FAQ's
Location Financial Policy Emergencies Search Site Map Useful Links Announcements
Calming Anxiety Baby Teeth and Gums For Teenagers Preventive Dentistry Oral Health Tips FAQ's
Location Financial Policy Emergencies Search Site Map Useful Links Announcements