Oral Care for the Breast Fed or Bottle Fed Baby

Posted by Dentalworks4kids on April 1st, 2015

Whether a baby is breast fed or bottle fed there are some important factors involved that may impact on the development of future cavities.

Cavities or dental caries are a result of an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. Most adults have these bacteria in their mouths and it’s considered to be part of the body’s normal flora. As a result, these bacteria will most likely transfer to your baby. However, for a cavity to develop one other thing is necessary for the bacteria to begin the caries process… sugar. If the baby has any teeth, the, sugar on a tooth can use to feed on by the bacteria which then leaves acid as a by-product causing the tooth decay.  

The most essential thing, then, is to keep your child’s mouth as sugar-free as possible. An important point to note here is that sugar comes in many different forms and isn’t just the white powder that comes in packages. Many foods contain sugars or sugar compounds and that also includes baby formula, cow’s milk and breast milk.

After each feeding, even before the first tooth erupts, or before your child starts eating solid foods, try to keep your child’s mouth clean and free from sugars.  One way to get rid of that sugar is to gently clean your child’s gums after each feeding. If there are no teeth yet this can be done with a moist cloth. Once teeth erupt you can move to an infant or finger toothbrush. By starting this routine early it will also benefit you and your child in that it will make routine tooth-brushing seem natural as your baby grows up.

It is also important to not let your child fall asleep with any sugars in the mouth. This means breast milk, formula, or any other non-water beverage. As a child sleeps this will pool in the mouth and bacteria can feed off of this while they sleep. Saliva is an essential element in the mouth that offers natural protection, however during sleep saliva production is slowed down. Pooled milk/formula and less saliva make for an ideal environment for bacteria to feed and produce decay causing acid. The fewer nighttime feedings, the better and if your child falls asleep with a bottle make sure it contains water only at night.   

Both the Canadian and American Pediatric Dental Associations recommend your child should have his or her first dental appointment no later than when their first tooth erupts. At Dental Works 4 Kids we will help you do your part and can provide a customized preventative oral health program that will ensure your little one’s teeth will develop into a healthy and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!

About The Author:

Dental Works 4 Kids is a pediatric & an orthodontic health care specialist in Ontario, CA provides the highest standard of specialized and comprehensive oral health care and orthodontics for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Dental Works 4 Kids offer a safe and welcoming environment with a focus on education and prevention for families in our community.