What is baby bottle tooth decay and how does it occur?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. It occurs when a child’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. Among these are milk (including breast milk),infant formula, fruit juice, soft drinks and other sweetened liquids. When a baby is put to bed with a bottle, the liquid drips into the mouth continuously. It collects around the teeth as long as the bottle is in the mouth, and is like sending the baby to bed with a mouthful of candy. Take a look at the above pictures. In the left photo, notice how all teeth are severely decayed except the lower ones. As a child sleeps with the bottle, his tongue covers the lower teeth, protecting them. When we see a mouth like this, as dentists we know the child has been sleeping with a bottle. Notice also how inflamed and swollen the gums are compared to a healthy mouth and teeth on the right. Can all the teeth be affected? The teeth most likely to be damaged are the
