I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
Harper Hughes
When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of bottle or breastfeeding, it may not initially occur to you to consider their impact on your baby's budding teeth. But children's primary teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities, and although they are not permanent, they are still necessary for the development of healthy adult teeth and a strong jaw. While breastfeeding is typically safe for baby teeth, bottle feeding can pose an increased risk for cavities when proper technique is not followed. These are three points to keep in mind as your baby's teeth come in, particularly if you choose to bottle feed.
Comparing the Mechanisms of Bottles and Breastfeeding
Bottle feeding is riskier for teeth because of the way your baby suckles. Breastfeeding requires a constant suckling pressure to release milk, which typically does not come into contact with the baby's budding teeth. A bottle, however, can dribble milk into your baby's mouth and may pool between his or her gums and lips, especially when the baby is allowed to fall asleep with the bottle. Bottles can also hold more sugary substances like juice, which are more harmful to teeth anyways. Because of this, it is possible to bottle feed your baby with no resulting cavities, but it is easier for things to go wrong with a bottle than breastfeeding.
Understanding When Bottles Can Be Helpful and Harmful
Of course, breastfeeding your baby may not be feasible or even physically possible, and you may have other reasons to prefer bottle feeding as well. When this is the case, taking simple measures to protect your child's teeth should be enough to negate the mechanical differences between the two feeding methods. For example, never let your child fall asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth; use a pacifier instead, and stick to milk instead of sugary substitutes. Your goal is to prevent milk or other liquids from remaining in contact with vulnerable baby teeth, which makes it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Infants
In order to keep your baby's emerging teeth sound and strong, you should always avoid sugary drinks and begin brushing with the recommended amount of fluoride as soon as the primary teeth have sprouted. If you are concerned about your baby's dental health, it's never too early to visit your local family dentist for an evaluation and an expert opinion. By staying conscious of the earliest threats to your child's teeth and working to avoid them, you can ensure that your baby gets the best start in life, regardless of your preferred nursing method. Click here to read more.