Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Treatments

Severely decayed teeth may need to be removed.

Baby bottle tooth decay treatments.

Severely decayed teeth may need to be removed. In root canal therapy the pulp of the tooth including the nerve and vascular tissues is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. This most commonly occurs when babies are given bottles just before naptime or bedtime and they eventually fall asleep with the bottle still in their mouths. At the earliest signs of a problem you and your child s dentist can work together to formulate an approach to management and treatment.

Treatment for baby bottle tooth decay treatment varies based on your child s age and the severity of the condition. If baby bottle tooth decay is left untreated pain and infection can result. If baby bottle tooth decay becomes too severe the pediatric dentist may be unable to save the affected tooth. Depending on the extent of the cavities the teeth may be treated with fillings or crowns.

The baby bottle tooth decay treatment is started as soon as the pediatric dentist notices the symptoms in your baby s teeth. When white spots are seen the dentist uses a fluoride varnish to remineralize all the teeth. Baby bottle tooth decay may affect any or all of the teeth but is most prevalent in the front teeth on the upper jaw. Baby bottle tooth decay can happen when babies are allowed to drink from a bottle for a prolonged period of time.

The baby teeth discolor and give an unsightly appearance to your child s smile decreasing a child s self esteem. Cut down on sugar consumption by your child particularly before bedtime or a nap and clean their teeth daily preferably after each feeding session. The best approach to tackling baby bottle tooth decay is prevention. Deep dental decay can lead to dental abscesses and infection requiring long treatment time.

The treatment procedures are as follows. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water juice or soft drinks. Infants should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed. If your child uses a pacifier provide one that is clean don t dip it in sugar or honey.

Endodontic therapy also known as a root canal is recommended if the pulp in a tooth dies from infection by decay causing bacteria or from trauma. If baby bottle tooth decay occurs in your baby visit a children s pediatric dentist immediately for dental advice and treatment. Place only formula milk or breast milk in bottles.