Also known as Early Childhood Caries or Nursing Caries, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by over exposure to sugary liquids. It is usually caused by putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice, or soda, nursing babies on demand throughout the night, or allowing toddlers to graze with a sippy cup. This condition often destroys primary teeth, creating a need for major dental treatment. In addition, it will eventually damage your child’s permanent teeth if left untreated.
You can prevent this by following a few simple guidelines:
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, breast milk, fruit juices, or any sweetened liquids.
- Never give your baby a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
- Only allow water in bottles and sippy cups used for grazing.
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding, and begin brushing with a Fluoride free toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Encourage children to drink from a regular cup by their first birthday.