Baby bottle tooth decay – what is it? causes, treatment and prevention

Baby bottle tooth decay is a serious health problem that can affect infants and young children. In this article we will learn what this disease is, its symptoms, causes, treatment methods and effective ways of prevention.

Baby bottle tooth decay in infants and children – what is it and how does it manifest itself?

Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, is a disease that causes damage to primary teeth in infants and children. It manifests itself primarily in the formation of cavities in the teeth and changes in the gum tissue. It may be invisible at first, but as it progresses, teeth may become discolored, develop tooth decay, and even develop painful sores.

What causes baby bottle tooth decay (early tooth decay)?

Bottle caries has many causes, but one of the main factors is long-term exposure of teeth to juices, sweetened drinks, milk and other fluids containing sugars. Sugar feeds bacteria that produce acid, damaging tooth enamel. Additionally, drinking from a bottle before bed can cause the milk or juice to remain on your teeth overnight, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Treatment of baby bottle caries in children – what does it look like?

Treatment of baby bottle caries in children depends on the advancement of the disease. In the case of small cavities, it may only be necessary to remove the tooth and use a filling. However, in more advanced cases, extraction of several teeth or invasive treatment using fillings, dental crowns or even dentures may be necessary.

How to prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

Prevention is key in the fight against baby bottle tooth decay. Here are some effective ways to prevent it:

• Avoid giving your child sweetened drinks, especially before bedtime.
• After bottle-feeding or drinking juice, gently brush your baby’s teeth with a wet cloth or sponge.
• If possible, encourage your child to use a cup after the first year of life.
• Visit the dentist regularly with your child, starting at age one, to monitor dental health and get oral hygiene tips.

Your suggestions

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist about your child’s oral health and follow their recommendations. Thanks to this, we will be able to minimize the risk of bottle caries and provide our child with a healthy smile for many years.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about children’s oral health and how to deal with tooth decay, we recommend reading other articles on this topic available on our website.

Baby bottle tooth decay is a problem that can have serious consequences for children’s dental health. That is why it is so important to be aware of its causes, symptoms and effects and to use effective prevention. Only then will we be able to enjoy our child’s healthy smile for many years.