February is Children’s Dental Health Month: Baby bottle tooth decay

Editorial
Baby bottle tooth decay, also called bottle syndrome, is a serious yet preventable condition that can destroy your child’s primary teeth.

It occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to liquids that contain sugar, such as milk, formula or fruit juice. The sugar liquid from a bottle or “sippy cup” pools around teeth and provides food for bacteria. The bacteria form acids that dissolve tooth enamel, causing decay. Early loss of baby teeth or infection can damage the developing adult teeth too, as well as lead to crowding problems that will affect them in later life.

Early childhood cavities is defined as the presence of one or more decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in preschool-age children. It has become an epidemic that affects up to 10 percent of all children in the United States, and results in billions of dollars being spent yearly on dental care. Check for signs of ECC by examining near the gums and looking for white spots that may be indicative of early forming cavities.

Parents should take preventative measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Clean your child’s teeth after each feeding. Never give them a bottle in bed unless it contains only water. Get a dental check-up as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. Avoid serving non-nutritious, sugary fruit drinks. Such juices cause, not only childhood tooth decay, but are full of unneeded calories. Never dip cups, bottles or pacifiers in anything sweet.

Most importantly, baby bottle tooth decay can be prevented both by strengthening the enamel and by reducing prolonged exposure to acids. Fluoride is the most effective way to strengthen teeth. Check with your pediatrician or dentist by the time your baby is 6 months old about fluoride levels in your area.