Related concepts:

BBTD, Early childhood caries, ECC, Nursing bottle caries, Rampant caries

Introduction to baby bottle tooth decay:

The breast milk or formula that comforts and nourishes your baby can also cause severe tooth decay. Most parents I talk to don't know how to care for their babies' teeth.

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

What nourishes your baby also nourishes the normal bacteria that live in your baby's mouth. These bacteria turn the sugars found in formulas, milks, and juices into acids strong enough to etch the enamel of the teeth if there is prolonged contact.

The result can be the dramatically severe rotten teeth known as baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD).

Who gets baby bottle tooth decay?

The clear saliva you see from time to time drooling from your baby's mouth helps to prevent lengthy exposure to tooth-damaging acids. Enzymes in the saliva digest the sugars in milks and juices into safe forms that your baby can use. Also, the swishing of the saliva in the mouth actively washes the teeth.

The problem comes at that wonderful moment when a baby falls asleep. Saliva production plummets. Swallowing decreases. And any liquids still in the mouth will pool next to the teeth, slowly dissolving the enamel.

Baby bottle tooth decay can also occur while awake if a child is allowed to walk around with a bottle.

What are the symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay?

Unlike adult cavities, which are usually hidden from view, baby tooth decay strikes the most visible portion of the front teeth. But parents are lulled into complacency because during the months the teeth are gradually weakening, the damage is invisible. Once the protective tooth enamel has been breached, the ugly process of decay accelerates.

Is baby bottle tooth decay contagious?

No

How long does baby bottle tooth decay last?

The teeth remain damaged until they are replaced by permanent teeth. This tooth decay may not seem like a big deal, but these are the only teeth your baby will have during the years when much of the personality and self-image are formed.

How is baby bottle tooth decay diagnosed?

Early tooth decay can be observed by careful inspection. The remaining blackened stubs of the rotten teeth of late baby bottle tooth decay are clearly visible from a distance.

How is baby bottle tooth decay treated?

Baby bottle tooth decay is treated by a dentist. Sometimes extensive dental work is needed, requiring restraint, sedation, or even general anesthesia.

How can baby bottle tooth decay be prevented?

Tooth decay can be prevented both by strengthening the enamel and by reducing prolonged exposure to acids.

Moving the feeding time forward so that your baby is awake for even fifteen minutes after finishing can significantly protect the teeth. This is easy advice to give, but in some families, it can be very difficult to follow.

Some babies enjoy the comfort of sucking to soothe themselves to sleep.