Dental Information Center

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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