Andrew J. Spano
County Executive

February 4, 2000

National Children's Dental Health Month

Contact Mary Landrigan

(914) 637-4715

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the Westchester County Department of Health is cautioning parents that serious tooth decay can develop by a child's first birthday.

"Many parents don't realize how important it is to care for their child's baby (primary) teeth," stated Dr. Jean Hudson, Deputy Commissioner of Community Health Services for the Westchester County Department of Health. "Even though a child's primary teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced with permanent ones, the primary teeth are critical for proper chewing, speaking and appearance," she added.

Baby bottle tooth decay, also called nursing-bottle or nursing-mouth syndrome, is a condition that can destroy the primary teeth of an infant or young child. It develops when a baby frequently receives a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids to serve as a pacifier or comforter. It may result when the child often is allowed to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or bedtime. Prolonged breastfeeding on demand can also cause this condition. The upper front teeth are the most likely to be damaged, but others can also be affected.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, which are present in a thin film of plaque that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acid, which attacks tooth enamel. If sugary liquid is allowed to remain in the mouth, acid can attack teeth for several minutes. Tooth decay can occur after frequent, repeated acid attacks.

"It's not only what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids," said Dr. Hudson. "For example, if you offer a bottle containing a sugary liquid as a pacifier, many times a day, the teeth experience more acid attacks. Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle during a nap or at night can also harm teeth. While baby sleeps, the flow of saliva decreases. Harmful sugary liquids collect and remain around the teeth, inviting acid attacks," she warned.

Parents can prevent acid attacks by watching what they give baby between regular feedings. A bottle should not be used as a pacifier or as an aid to help baby sleep unless it contains plain water. Pacifiers should not be dipped in sweet liquids and sugar should not be added to baby's food. Children can be taught to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday, eliminating prolonged bottle feeding or the use of a bottle as a pacifier.

The Westchester County Department of Health recommends that after each feeding, parents wipe their baby's teeth and gums with a clean gauze pad. This will remove plaque and prevent acid attacks. Begin brushing as soon as baby's first tooth appears. Continue to clean and massage the gums in all other areas that remain toothless.

Children should receive regular dental examinations beginning by their first birthday. Routine dental exams can uncover problems that can be treated in the early stages and allow children to become familiar with dental staff, the office and its surroundings. Parents should discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques with the dentist including the correct amount of fluoridated toothpaste to use and should supervise their children while brushing/flossing at home. Some additional preventive measures that should be considered and discussed with the dentist include the application of dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, proper diet and the use of mouth protectors during sporting activities.

The Westchester County Department of Health has pediatric dental clinics at its district offices in Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye/Port Chester. Please remember that by following the advice of your dentist, your child's smile can last a lifetime. For additional information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.

-30-