Baby Bottle Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay in infants and children is called "baby bottle tooth decay". It most often occurs in the upper front teeth and can destroy the teeth. Other teeth may also be affected.

Normal Baby Teeth	Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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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 50 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 is not a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm their teeth.

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Why Are Baby Teeth important?

Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded.

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How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Sometimes parents do not realise that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time the 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.

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

• If your child needs a dummy between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a bottle with cool water. Never give your child a dummy 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 us how your child should get it.

• Start dental visits by your child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems make an appointment for your child to see us as soon as possible.

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