Care for Deciduous Teeth

What are deciduous teeth?

Deciduous teeth are commonly referred to as “baby teeth” or “milk teeth.”

Are you a new parent who settles your baby to sleep with a bottle and wondering what effect that milk might be having on those tiny new teeth? Or perhaps you are breastfeeding and questioning whether milk left in your baby’s mouth after a feed is affecting their developing oral health?

A large proportion of tooth decay is driven by bacterial activity. The bacteria primarily responsible is called Streptococcus mutans, or S. mutans for short, and it is widely recognised as the leading contributor to dental caries. Some research suggests that S. mutans is inhibited by breast milk, meaning breastfeeding may offer a degree of antibacterial protection for your baby’s teeth.

The teething timeline varies considerably from child to child. Some babies cut their first tooth as early as three months, while for others, deciduous teeth may not appear until around 15 months of age. Because of this variation, there is no need to rush the process of weaning your baby from night feeds. That said, while breast milk does have some antibacterial properties, it also contains natural sugars that can lower the pH of the mouth over time. Prolonged exposure to this acidic environment raises the risk of early tooth decay.

Can milk bottles cause damage to baby teeth?

Yes, they can. The effects of decay in primary teeth are not confined to those teeth alone — it can also have a damaging impact on your child’s developing permanent teeth.

When parents do not adequately care for their baby’s teeth, children may end up with teeth that are poorly aligned. Further consequences can include malformed permanent teeth or, in some instances, oral infections.

So how can parents reduce or prevent decay in milk teeth? The key is to begin good oral hygiene habits from the very start. Our dentists at Dental Nook recommend introducing your child to the dental practice from around the age of one or two, so they can become comfortable with dental visits and learn about oral hygiene early.

Our children’s dentist recommends several practical steps to help keep excessive decay in kids’ teeth under control. Fruit juices are high in sugar, so limiting or eliminating juice from your child’s diet — and keeping it out of their bottles entirely — is an important step in protecting young teeth from decay.

From around the age of one, gradually begin to reduce night feeding. The aim is to limit how long your child’s teeth are exposed to sugary liquids during sleep.

If you find your baby has drifted off with a bottle still in their mouth, gently remove it. You can also lightly wipe away any residual milk using a soft, damp cloth to help reduce bacterial buildup.

To limit your baby’s exposure to S. mutans, avoid kissing them directly on the lips and be mindful of saliva-sharing through close contact. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or food with your baby. Similarly, do not allow dummies or pacifiers to be shared with other children or adults.

Teething can feel overwhelming for some parents and uncomfortable for some babies, but it does not have to be a distressing experience. Building a solid understanding of the teething process can make it much more manageable.

In babies, teeth develop beneath the gum tissue. As the tooth root begins to form and elongate, the pressure it creates pushes the crown of the tooth upward until it breaks through the gum surface and erupts. During this stage, giving your baby a firm teether to chew on can be helpful — just ensure it is the appropriate size and poses no choking risk. Chewing helps the gum tissue break down as the crown makes its way through.

It is not uncommon for babies to develop a mild low-grade fever during teething. However, if your baby’s temperature rises above 38.3°C, this should not be ignored — seek advice from your doctor, as fevers at this level can sometimes signal a more serious infection. It is also worth noting that teething is not typically a cause of diarrhoea, despite what is commonly believed.

Applying alcohol-based products to a baby’s gums is not recommended. If your baby appears to be in significant pain or discomfort during teething, speak with your family dentist or GP to discuss whether infant ibuprofen might be appropriate. Teething gels are generally best avoided, as they are not considered safe for babies.

While it is true that baby teeth will eventually be replaced, decay causes primary teeth to fall out earlier than they naturally should. This creates a gap in the mouth before the corresponding permanent tooth is ready to take its place. When a space is left prematurely, neighbouring teeth may drift to fill the gap, which can cause the permanent tooth to erupt in the wrong position and result in a misaligned smile. For this reason, looking after baby teeth — even knowing they are temporary — is genuinely important for your child’s long-term dental development. Speak with our dentist for personalised guidance on caring for your child’s baby teeth.

Care for Deciduous Teeth

What are deciduous teeth?

Can milk bottles cause damage to baby teeth?

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