Are you putting your infant to bed with a bottle?

Baby bottle tooth decay also known as early childhood caries can be prevented. At Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry we see many infant patients and preventative dentistry is very important in our role. What is baby bottle tooth decay and what can we do to prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is decay usually found in those in the infant stage who are put to bed with a bottle. The bottle may contain milk, juice or even breast milk. When the infant falls asleep with the bottle in their mouth a pool of the liquid forms in the child’s mouth. This pool surrounds the teeth exposing the mouth to sugar for prolonged amounts of time.

We all know that prolonged exposure of sugar in the mouth increases the chances for decay. So, it is suggested to never put your infant to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. If your little one must have a bottle we always recommend to wipe the gums immediately after the bottle to help eliminate the risk for decay.

Here at Young and Polite  Children's Dentistry we strive for all of our patients to find their dental visits fun.  The best way to do this is with a great checkup.  Help your child be on track for great dental health when you eliminate the increased risk for early childhood caries.

 

For more help & advice for great dental health for your little one ask any of our skilled dental professional team members any and all questions at your next routine dental visit.

The importance of mouth guards

A mouth guard may not be the first thing that comes to mind to protect your child’s teeth.  Here at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry we believe strongly in protecting those teeth with a mouth guard.

Why a mouth guard?

A mouth guard adds extra protection for your child while participating in a variety of contact sports. From soccer, baseball to lacrosse and those sports in- between a mouth guard covers the teeth to help prevent serious injuries to the teeth.  Mouth guards should fit comfortably, not impair breathing, be durable & easy to clean.

Mouth guards can come in a variety of forms. One of our pediatric dentists at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry will recommend the best mouth guard for your child.  Depending on if your child has braces & what the mouth guard is intended for a professional recommendation will be made specifically for your child.

Without a mouth guard your child could sustain serious injuries to their teeth during a sporting activity. If your child has braces and endures an injury to the mouth the braces can cut the lips, tongues or the inside of the mouth.  In some cases, the injuries even involve sutures or stitches.  If the mouth receives an impact the chance of a tooth being knocked loose or out increases without the use of a mouth guard.

Many contact sports require players to wear mouth guards.  If your child is or will be participating in a contact sport, Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry recommends your child have a well fitted mouth guard.  Not sure if a mouth guard is necessary for your child, call our office and schedule a consult or be sure to ask one of our pediatric dentists about your concerns at your child’s next routine dental care appointment.