Prevention and treatment of bottle caries
Parents usually observe injuries by baby bottle cavities when the baby is about 20 months old, stating that the "teeth became soft, dark and brittle", that is, when the caries is already very advanced and has a difficult solution.
The prevention and treatment of bottle caries is usually carried out by the pediatrician and sent to the pediatric dentist who, through a mirror and probe examination, can check the extent of the injuries. Sometimes, the radiographic diagnosis is necessary.
In the majority of the occasions, the diagnosis of bottle caries is made when it is already very advanced and this entails a series of problems of all kinds:
- Aesthetic problems
- Problems for chewing
- Problems for language development
- Alterations in the morphology and position of permanent teeth.
- Appearance of bad lingual or labial habits.
- Appearance of infections and phlegmon
- Problems and growth retardation (height and weight)
Bottle caries treatment
The treatment options for bottle cavities are limited because they are small patients of difficult collaboration and because cavities are usually very advanced. It is fundamental the treatment by a professional specialized in treating children patients and in many cases it is necessary to consider general anesthesia techniques.
In the first place, the abandonment of the habit (cause of appearance of the injuries in the milk teeth) is fundamental to avoid the appearance of new injuries, for which we need the cooperation of the parents.
Secondly, a dental treatment plan is made based on the number of teeth affected, the severity of the injuries and the age of the child.
- If the nerve (pulp) is not affected, The treatment will consist of eliminating the decay and reconstructing the tooth with a conventional "filling" or crown for anterior teeth if the extension of the caries was very large.
- If the pulp is affected, First there will be a pulpal protection treatment, pulpotomy or pulpectomy and then always the adaptation of a crown. If pulpal treatment can not be performed, the tooth will be removed and a space maintainer will be placed until the eruption of the final teeth. Due to rapid destruction, the pulp is usually affected.
Prevention of bottle caries
The prevention of bottle caries must be based on three fundamental pillars: the pediatrician, the parents and the dentist.
The pediatrician can give the general dietary instructions before the first dental examination to the parents.
1. Dietary recommendations:
- Avoid using the bottle with milk or breastfeeding the child before going to sleep. At night only give water.
- Holding the child while feeding him, if the child falls asleep during breastfeeding should be awakened and then lying in his crib. So that the milk is not accumulated in the mouth after feeding.
- Substances with high cariogenic potential such as honey, jam, condensed milk, fruit juices, etc. should not be used. to impregnate the bottle or pacifier.
2. Hygienic recommendations:
- The maintenance of good oral hygiene from an early age is essential for the prevention of caries. The parents should clean the remains of milk with a little piece of water and water.
Sara Hawkins Solís. Lda. Dentistry UCM. Master in Orthodontics UCM. Prof. Collaborator Master of Orthodontics UCM
Blog Mommy pediatrician and more
It may interest you:
- Main expenses of the baby and tricks to save
- Bottle tooth decay
- What happens if the bottles are not finished?
