Baby Bottle Tooth Decay - Does your child sleep with a bottle?

What Is It?

Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as baby bottle syndrome or nursing caries, is a dental condition that impacts infants and young children. It occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids like milk, formula, fruit juice, or sweetened beverages. These sugars encourage bacteria growth in the mouth, leading to tooth decay.

What To Look For

Baby bottle tooth decay commonly affects the upper front teeth, though other teeth can also be affected. It can lead to discomfort, infection, and potential damage to the child's developing teeth and gums.

Symptoms may include:

• Red gums

• Toothache

• White spots on the teeth

• Early development of cavities

What You Should Do

• Avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle containing anything except water.

• Transition your child from bottle feeding to a cup in a timely manner.

• Start practicing good oral hygiene early by caring for gums and teeth.

• Consider fluoride supplements as advised by your child's doctor.

• Schedule your child's first dental visit by age 1.

How To Prevent

• Avoid sugary drinks like juice, soda, sugar water, and sweet tea as they can damage teeth enamel and lead to cavities.

• Fill the bottle with plain water instead of milk, juice, or formula.

• Ensure your child does not fall asleep with a bottle to prevent liquid from pooling behind their front teeth, where bacteria can erode enamel. The bottle's nipple also limits saliva from washing away sugars.

• Keep your child well-hydrated throughout the day, as babies are more prone to dehydration than adults.

• Watch for signs of baby bottle syndrome such as white spots on teeth, toothaches, cavities, and inflamed or bleeding gums.

• Pediatricians play a key role in prevention by educating parents on nutrition, oral hygiene, and fluoride use. They can monitor for signs of tooth decay during check-ups and advise accordingly.

• The ADA recommends children visit a dentist before their first birthday to establish good oral health practices early on.

Nursing Bottle Caries | Boston Children’s Hospital. (n.d.-b). https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/nursing-bottle-caries#:~:text=Bottle%20Caries%20%7C%20Overview-,Overview,need%20to%20used%20with%20caution

Bottlemouth Syndrome. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Bottlemouth-Syndrome.aspx#:~:text=It%20is%20caused%20by%20prolonged,in%20the%20upper%20front%20teeth.