Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network - Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

(Early Childhood Caries)

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Decay in infants and children is called baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries. It can destroy the teeth and most often occurs in the upper front teeth. But other teeth may also be affected.

What causes baby bottle tooth decay?

Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth.Each time your child drinks these liquids; acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.

It's not just what you put in your child's bottle that causes decay, but how often - and for how long a time. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn't a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm the child's teeth.

How to prevent baby bottle tooth decay

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:

After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad. Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2½.

Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.

If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a bottle with cool water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician.

Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.

Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.

If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.

Start dental visits by the child's first birthday or the eruption of the first tooth. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.

Reprinted in part with permission from the AAPD and the ADA 2001.

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Early Childhood Tooth Decay