What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

My Baby's Teeth Decayed Even Though They Weren't Breastfeeding. What Could Be the Cause?

While formerly called bottle tooth decay, it is more recently defined as early childhood tooth decay. Early childhood tooth decay is the presence of decay in one or more of a child's primary teeth before the age of 6. The most common phrase we pediatric dentists hear when using the term "baby bottle tooth decay" is, "My baby's teeth decayed even though they weren't breastfeeding." The development of early childhood tooth decay, which is also common in our country, depends on many factors. Incorrect and prolonged bottle use is just one of them.

How Does Early Childhood Tooth Decay Form?

Milk consumed from a bottle or directly from the breast accumulates on the surfaces of the teeth as they fall asleep. Both breast milk and cow's milk are highly nutritious and high in sugar. Because saliva flow decreases to almost zero during sleep, teeth cannot be cleaned properly, and decay-causing microorganisms in the mouth create acid, triggering the onset of cavities. It's important to remember that the longer food contacts the teeth, the greater the likelihood of developing cavities. Sleep provides a very favorable environment for this. The upper incisors, which are the first to erupt and have the most physical contact with milk, are generally the first to be affected. If precautions are not taken, it can spread to other teeth. Furthermore, giving fruit juices, dipping the dummy in honey or jam, and giving sugary foods to babies are also known to have similar effects and increase the severity and prevalence of early childhood cavities.

How to Identify Early Childhood Cavities?

Baby bottle tooth decay initially begins with chalky white spots on the enamel. Over time, tissue loss from the enamel occurs, and the white chalky spots are replaced by yellow-brown spots. Often, by the time a family notices tooth decay, the cavities are quite advanced. Sometimes, families may confuse them with iron stains.

What Can Occur as a Result of Early Childhood Caries? Can They Be Treated?

As the caries progress and reach the nerve tissue, tooth sensitivity, pain, and inflammation can occur. This can lead to poor nutrition, sleep disturbances, and a significant impact on the quality of life for both the child and the family. Because frontal cavities are aesthetically unsightly, they can cause difficulties for the child during social interactions. Early tooth loss can lead to loss of space in the mouth and malocclusions, which are malocclusions. These cavities can be treated in the clinic with conventional methods or under general anesthesia, depending on the child's age and adaptability.

Is It Possible to Prevent Early Childhood Caries?

1. About six months after the first tooth emerges, a pediatric dentist should be visited to learn about nutrition and oral care. After the initial examination, follow-up visits should be scheduled at intervals determined by your dentist. Preventive measures should be used when necessary.
2. Babies should not be allowed to sleep with a bottle in their mouth. After bottle-fed milk, ensure that the child drinks water.
3. Sweeteners such as honey or molasses should not be added to milk to increase its nutritional value or to help calm the child.
4. Families should regularly maintain their child's oral care from the first tooth onward. If brushing is not possible, a piece of cheesecloth wrapped around the finger or a finger brush can be used.
5. Families and caregivers should pay attention to their own oral care. Caregivers should prevent the baby from inserting a pacifier or spoon into the mouth to clean it. This is often the route through which decay-causing microorganisms are transmitted.
6. After 12-15 months, night feedings should be adjusted. The cooperation of the doctor and the family is crucial for this.
7. Sugary foods should be avoided as much as possible in the child's diet.