What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay can lead to long term dental problems in infants. As soon as a tooth breaks through the gums, it can begin to decay. Learn the causes and prevention of baby bottle tooth decay.

Causes
Bacteria cause the formation of plaque and tartar. Bacteria eventually will eat through the enamel and decay the tooth. Left untreated, baby bottle tooth decay can permanently ruin the teeth. These teeth may have to be pulled if the decay becomes widespread.

Cavities in infants are generally referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries (also called cavities). One source of the bacteria that causes cavities in infants can be spread from the caregiver to the child. They can spread via saliva (eg. mother and child sharing a spoon).

However, the more common source of bacteria is from the fluids an infant drinks. Juice and milk (either mother's milk, animal milk, or alternative non-dairy milk) have sugars in them. When the sugar is left pooled around the teeth, bacteria are produced. The bacteria eat through the enamel of the teeth, as well as forming tartar or plaque on the teeth. Acid from juices or carbonated beverages can also erode away enamel and lead to tooth decay.

This can present the greatest risk when a baby is allowed to fall asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth for a nap or at bedtime. This is because the greater the amount of time the sugars and bacteria are in contact with the teeth, the longer the damage is being done.

Another cause of baby bottle tooth decay is allowing the child to drink often throughout the day. The more often the sugars and acid are exposed to the teeth, the more opportunity for bacteria to damage the teeth.

Prevention
To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, the American Dental Association recommends that parents take these steps to reduce the risk of tooth decay:
-Avoid sharing spoons or other utensils with your child (to cut down on introducing foreign bacteria to your child's mouth).
-Use a damp cloth to wipe the baby's gums and teeth after eating and drinking.
-Brush the baby's teeth with a child-size toothbrush.
-Don't allow the baby to have a bottle at bedtime or nap time.
-Switch from a bottle to cup at the age of 1.

If your baby is already showing signs of baby bottle tooth decay, you should have a dentist examine your child's teeth. A dentist can clean the teeth and give you personalized recommendations for further treatment.

Sources:

"Baby Bottle Tooth Decay," American Dental Association.