Baby bottle tooth decay or syndrome is a form of tooth decay that can destroy the teeth of an infant. This decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hamper development of the permanent teeth. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper teeth.

Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugar such as milk, formula, fruit juices, pop and other sweetened liquids. These liquids fuel the bacteria in a child's mouth, which produces acids that attack enamel.

Crooked or crowded teeth are very common in the growing patient. Even patients that get braces may develop a minor degree of crooked (crowded) teeth, particularly in the front teeth of the jaws, as they grow old.

The first step in determining the need for treatment is what we call an orthodontic consult. During this appointment, we may obtain special records and special x-rays of your child's jaw. This information will allow us to make a decision based on predicted growth patterns that your child may show later. In orthodontic terms, we refer to this as Early Treatment.

Early Treatment refers to ANY orthodontic (braces) or orthopedic appliances (like Headgear) treatment that begins when the child is in primary dentition or in early mixed dentition (when the first permanent teeth begin to erupt).

Early Treatment has been proven to be effective despite objections by some people in the orthodontic community.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that early diagnosis and successful treatment of developing malocclusions can have both short-term and long-term benefits, while achieving the goal of occlusal harmony, function, and facial aesthetics.

It is completely normal and healthy for your baby or young child to suck on a thumb, finger, or pacifier. Children usually give up sucking habits on their own by the time they are 4 to 5 years old. If they stop the habit at this age, the shape of the jaw is usually not affected and the teeth grow in normally. Children who continue sucking on a pacifier, finger, or thumb when their permanent adult teeth start to come in are more likely to have bite problems.

Sucking can cause:

• The top front teeth to slant out
• The bottom front teeth to tilt in
• The upper and lower jaws to be misaligned
• The roof of the mouth to be narrowed
• The need for braces

Treatment:
Your doctor may decide to construct an appliance to discourage thumb sucking.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Over-the-counter stock mouth protectors are inexpensive, pre-formed and ready-to-wear. Boil and bite mouth protectors offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. Softened in water, they are more adaptable to the shape of your mouth. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive, but a properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.

HOW DO THE ARMOURBITE® PRODUCTS DIFFER FROM MOUTHGUARDS?
The ArmourBite® Mouthpiece and ArmourBite® Mouthguard do more than simply provide protection. They enhance performance. ArmourBite® Technology is not only backed by some of the biggest names in pro sports, it's also recommended by dentists, pro trainers, strength coaches and wellness experts.

WHO SHOULD USE UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Hundreds of professional athletes are currently relying on the superior performance and protection benefits of custom UA Performance Mouthwear. But it isn't just for pros. UA Performance Mouthwear is for all athletes who want to excel in their sport or activity.

HOW DO I GET MY UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Once you have decided which model is right for you, getting your own Under Armour Performance MouthwearTM is a quick and simple 3-step process. First, your dentist takes your bite impressions. Next, the impressions are shipped to our lab where we custom make the product. Third, the completed mouthwear is shipped back to your dentist for a final fitting.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CUSTOM PIECE OF UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Once fitted, the orders typically take up to 10 days for delivery. Talk to your dentist about shipping options to receive your product sooner.