Why Does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Occur?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a type of cavity associated with prolonged feeding from a bottle containing milk, sweetened tea, or fruit juice. The bottle is often used not just as a feeding tool, but also to soothe and calm the child.

The teeth most prone to developing this decay are the front teeth, but it can also affect the first molars or other newly erupted teeth.

How to recognize baby bottle tooth decay:

White spots appear on the teeth, which later turn brown. Other symptoms can include swollen gums, fever, and bad breath.

How to prevent it:

• Don’t let your child fall asleep with a pacifier or bottle in their mouth;

• Clean the gums with a damp cloth after every meal. Oral hygiene starts before baby teeth appear;

• Reduce sweets;

• Don’t dip the pacifier in honey or put it in your own mouth;

• Brush your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

Visit the dentist! (We highly recommend bringing your child to show them the clinic’s atmosphere and teach them that dental check-ups should be a routine and necessary activity.)

If not detected early, cavities can develop quickly and become painful and stressful for both the child and the parents! They can also damage permanent teeth, cause chronic pain, crooked teeth, and chewing difficulties.