Baby bottle tooth decay is a term used to refer to early childhood cavities. This type of tooth decay occurs primarily in infants and toddlers and is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Baby bottle tooth decay is most frequently the result of a child keeping a bottle of sweetened liquid in bed at night and the presence of decay-producing bacteria from the parents and other children by "sharing" saliva via utensils or cups.

When children keep a bottle of sweetened liquid in bed with them, such as breast milk, baby formula, juice, diluted juice or sweetened water, the liquid can remain in the mouth for some time. Oral bacteria feed on the sugar left in the mouth by these liquids and emit harmful acids that attack and dissolve away tooth enamel. Likewise, sharing forks or spoons with your child can transmit saliva that carries decay-causing bacteria between your mouths.

You can help prevent baby bottle tooth decay by following these suggestions:

• Rinse pacifiers and toys in clean water, and use a clean spoon for each person eating. Do not clean the pacifiers or toys in your own mouth or share a spoon with your child.
• Never place sugary drinks in baby bottles or sippy cups.
• If your child insists on having a bottle in bed, fill it only with water.
• Do not dip pacifiers in honey or sweet liquids.
• Encourage your child to use a regular cup after he or she reaches 12 months of age.
• Help your child maintain a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in carbohydrates and simple sugars.
• Gently clean your child’s gums after each feeding with a clean washcloth, or soft bristle toothbrush.
• Use an age-appropriate, soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste when teeth begin to emerge.
• Clean your child’s teeth for them until about age 7. Before this time, children have not developed the necessary motor skills and coordination to effectively brush all areas of their mouths.
• When brushing, 3 times per day, pay especially close attention to brushing the teeth where the bacteria like to hide, at the gumline, as this will make a big difference in preventing baby bottle tooth decay. This is true for both the front surface of the teeth as well as the tongue side surface.
• Flossing is encouraged to prevent cavities in between the teeth. Normally regular flossing should begin after the eruption of the primary (baby) second molars, between 2 and 3 years of age. Flossing should be done by a parent on a daily basis until age 10, when the child’s motor skills and coordination have developed enough to effectively floss their teeth on their own. However, in the case of preventing baby bottle tooth decay in between the front teeth, flossing should begin earlier.
• Ask our pediatric dentist to review your child’s levels of fluoride. Although a lack of fluoride in drinking water is not a common problem today as most municipal water systems have the optimum amount of fluoride added to the drinking water. Persons who rely on a well for their main source of drinking water, may need to supplement their diets with fluoride to help make their teeth stronger and prevent tooth decay.

If you have any questions about baby bottle tooth decay or wish to schedule your child’s appointment with our pediatric dentist, please call our office today.