Many may not realize that infants can suffer from tooth decay, and that decay is related to the use of a baby bottle. Baby bottle and tooth decay is quite common and occurs when babies ingest sweetened liquids. Those liquids include those with natural sugars too, like milk, formula, and fruit juices for example. The problems associated with this type of decay are many, and baby teeth are, of course, important for they are necessary for chewing and in helping a child speak.

The Causes Of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

As mentioned, babies who drink any sugary liquid can be at risk of developing tooth decay. The bacteria that is inside of an infant’s mouth likes sugary beverages and will combine with sugar to form the acids that attack the teeth.  Giving infants a sweet drink at nighttime or before a nap is also harmful. Infants tend to fall asleep with the bottle in their mouth. When sleeping, the flow of saliva increases, which will increase the development of the acids that cause tooth decay. Children who take a pacifier that is dipped in sugar or a sugary liquid will also be at risk for developing tooth decay.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Infants

As one can see, the link between the baby bottle and tooth decay exists. It is also easy to work to prevent tooth decay in infants that use a bottle. The first thing any parent or caregiver can do is to never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth. Remember, even milk contains natural sugars, which can promote tooth decay.

Parents and caregivers are urged to clean a baby’s gums once each day. Take a moist washcloth or piece of gauze around a finger and gently massage the gums. This will help keep the teeth and gums clean and will also help in the teething process. Once an infant develops its first tooth, brushing should begin. Parents should use non-fluoride toothpaste until their baby learns to spit.

Why Prevent Baby Tooth Decay

Many parents probably think that since baby teeth are going to fall out that they are not that necessary. Oral hygiene at any age is crucial. Allowing sugary liquids on a baby’s gums for extended periods of time can lead to infections and severe pain. Children can develop bad eating habits that will carry over into young adulthood. They may also have problems with crooked and damaged teeth later in life.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a craze that is sweeping the nation, and it has found its way to Children’s Dental World in Chicago. The fundraising challenge is helping to raise money and awareness for ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease of the nerve cells that takes away muscle movement from those inflicted. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is diagnosed in approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. each year.

The Chicago office of Children’s Dental World was challenged by its good friends at Bridgeport Family Dental to complete the ordeal, which consists of dousing challengers with ice cold water. You can witness Children’s Dental World’s Chicago office taking part in the ice bucket challenge below.

The Morton Grove office of Children’s Dental World also completed the challenge, choosing to brave the ice cold water. You can see their results below.

The terms of the ice bucket challenge are simple. Challengers are nominated by those who have previously taken the challenge. In this case Bridgeport Family Dental nominated Children’s Dental World. Those nominated must take part in the challenge within 24 hours of being nominated or donate $100 to the ALS Association.

The challenge has gone viral this year, and has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the ALS Association. Considering that the organization raised just $2.5 million in all of 2013, the ice bucket challenge has helped tremendously. Since July 29, nearly $95 million has been raised.

Many big-name celebrities have gotten involved and taken part in the challenge. Rock bands such as Motley Crue and Alice Cooper have even completed the challenge while on stage in front of their fans. Many people, celebrities or not, have decided to complete the challenge as well as donate to the ALS Association.

Both the Chicago and Morton Grove offices of Children’s Dental World enjoyed taking part in the challenge in an effort to raise money and awareness for the deadly disease. Those interested in learning more can visit the ALS Association’s website, ALSA.org, for more information about the ice bucket challenge, the disease, and how to donate.