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NURSING BOTTLE DECAY;
Dentist have been aware of a tooth decay problem called 'Nursing Bottle Decay' for many years. However, people become new parents, there are still many who may not aware of this dangerous situation.
WHAT IS NURSING BOTTLE DECAY?
Nursing bottle decay occurs when the teeth are repeatedly exposed to sugars over a long period of time. Acid is formed each time sugar enters the mouth and mixes with the bacteria normally present there. these acid attack may last for up to a half hours and lead to rapid decay and often painful abscesses.
WHAT LIQUIDS CAN CAUSE NURSING BOTTLE DECAY?
Any sweetened drink in a bottle such as soft drinks, orange and apple juice or the sugar powdered mixed drinks; even plain or concentrated milk can break down and form lactic acid in the presence of bacteria in the mouth.
WHEN DOES NURSING BOTTLE DECAY OCCUR?
Nursing bottle decay can occur from one to four years of age. Baby teeth that come in dark or discoloured may be the first sign that a problem exists. A similar problem can be produced using soothers dipped in honey or other sweet substances during this critical age. Daytime bottles can also produce dental decay, but it is the night time bottle that is the most damaging to your child. The night bottle may be used well past the normal bottle stages of 12 to 18 months and is often the last one to be given up.
HOW DOES NURSING BOTTLE DECAY OCCUR?
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the high concentration of "sweet" liquids washing over the upper front teeth subjects the teeth to acid attack thus causing early decay. The lower front teeth are protected for a short time because the tongue covers them during sucking.
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As the child drifts from deep sleep to light sleep they make rhythmic sucking movements. This fills the mouth with a fresh supply of sugary liquid that soon becomes acid.
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Saliva production can help protect teeth from acid produced by mouth bacteria. However, during sleep, less saliva is produced and so its protective effect is less than when the child is active.
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Newly erupted baby teeth have not yet become completely hardened and so they are more easily decayed by the action of acid produced by bacteria in the mouth.
WHAT CAN I DO IF MY CHILD SHOWS SIGNS OF NURSING BOTTLE DECAY?
The bottle containing sweetened contents MUST be removed form the child's diet, otherwise dental treatment will be in vain. If the child uses a soother it will not produced decay unless it is dipped in something sweet.
The child must be examined by a dentist and and the teeth must be repaired(if possible). It is not acceptable to "wait and see". The problem must be treated immediately to prevent abscesses and possible hospitalization. When the teeth are repaired the dentist and hygienist can help the child's caregiver to maintain healthy teeth.
WEANING THE CHILD FROM THE NIGHT BOTTLE.
Do not take the bottle away initially as it would be too upsetting to the child. Rather, replace the bottle contents with pure tap water. You may want to try watering down your child's bottle over a week or tow until there is only plain water left. You may also try giving your child a clean soother. If you child cries, do not give up, comfort your child and try again. It may take several nights to wean your child off the bottle.
It is absolutely necessary to eliminate the bottle to prevent further decay and pain. If nursing bottle decay is diagnosed and treated early, the second teeth will not be affected. However if the baby teeth are left to abscess, the second teeth may show stains or pitting of the enamel surfaces. Occasionally the permanent teeth may be deflected by the abscessed baby teeth and erupt in an improper position thus producing possible orthodontic problems.
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