Early Childhood Caries
 One serious form of decay among young children is Baby Bottle Tooth
Decay (Early Childhood Caries). This condition is caused by frequent
and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain
sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast
milk),
formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle filled
with anything other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth
decay. Sweet liquids pool around the child’s teeth giving the
bacteria in plaque an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth
enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at
bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall
asleep without the bottle and his usual beverage, gradually dilute
the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three
weeks.
After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp
washcloth to remove plaque. Place the child in your lap or on the
floor so you can easily see into their mouth.
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