Baby bottle tooth decay
Baby bottle caries, also known as early childhood caries or baby bottle caries, is a severe form of tooth decay that affects young children, especially older ones from 6 months to 3 years.
It is so called because it is often associated with prolonged use of a baby bottle, especially one filled with sugary liquids, such as formula, breast milk, fruit juice, or any other drink containing sugar that the child consumes frequently, including at night.
Here are some key points about baby bottle tooth decay:
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Causes: Baby bottle tooth decay is mainly caused by prolonged exposure of teeth to sugars contained in liquids and foods. Bacteria in the mouth transform these sugars into acids, which attack tooth enamel.
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Symptoms: Typical symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay include white or brown spots on teeth, tooth pain, irritability, difficulty eating and sleeping, and bad breath.
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Prevention: It is essential to prevent baby bottle tooth decay by letting the child fall asleep with a bottle containing sugary liquids. It is recommended to clean the baby's chemicals with a damp compress after each meal, not to use pacifiers dipped in honey or sugar, and to limit the consumption of fruit juices.
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Treatment: Treatment of baby bottle tooth decay may require the extraction of severely damaged teeth. In severe cases, general anesthesia may be necessary to perform dental procedures. It is essential to consult a dentist as soon as signs of tooth decay appear.
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Advice: To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, encourage good oral hygiene from an early age, consult your dentist regularly.