Understanding Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay, also called bottle syndrome or early childhood caries, is a serious condition that can destroy your child’s teeth. It occurs when teeth are exposed, frequently and at length, to liquids that contain sugar. The liquid provides food for the bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms constantly on the teeth. When bacteria consume the sugar, they produce acid, and this acid attacks your child’s teeth, causing decay. (reading…)

As soon as your child gets his first teeth, you should begin cleaning them after feedings with a moist gauze pad or washcloth. When your child is comfortable with a toothbrush, brush his teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste if your child likes toothpaste. If not, its fine to brush without toothpaste. Gently floss your child’s teeth each day, and pay particular attention to areas where the teeth are close together.
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