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 Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay or Baby Bottle Syndrome or Early
Childhood Caries is the rapid decay of baby teeth in an
infant or child from frequent exposure, for long periods of
time, to liquids containing sugars. The upper front teeth
are most commonly affected.
The
problem is usually caused by a baby falling asleep while nursing
a bottle or while breast feeding. While the child is asleep,
the sugary liquid pools around the front teeth. The bacteria
living in every baby’s mouth then turns the sugars to
acid which causes decay.
Common
sources of liquids high in sugars are:
- A bottle
containing formula, milk, soda, or juice
- A pacifier
dipped in honey
- Breast
milk
You can
help prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome by:
- Cleaning
your child’s teeth daily
- Not
allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle
filled with juice, milk, or formula
- Not
allowing your child to sip on a bottle filled
with juice, milk, or formula for long periods of time
as a pacifier
- Giving
your child plain water when he or she is thirsty
- Making
sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay
- Making
regular dental appointments for your child beginning when
their first tooth erupts
Dr. Watts
can provide you with more information which can improve the
care of your child’s teeth and maximize their oral health.
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