What is early childhood caries?
Early childhood caries (ECC) can be the result of frequent nursing either from the bottle or breast. Breast milk does contain a higher percentage of sugar than cow’s milk. ECC will typically affect the four top front teeth first, followed by the first baby molars, then the canines and the second baby molars. Last to be affected are the lower front teeth which are protected by the tongue and lip. With frequent feeding/nursing, the tongue side of the top front teeth are continuously bathing in milk and acid produced by the bacteria. In the absence of good oral hygiene, the enamel on the tongue side of these teeth can begin to breakdown. When cavities are noticed on the lip side of the top front teeth, the cavities are usually at an advanced stage. It will be best to avoid bottle and breast feeding in bed. Try to make sleeping and feeding two separate events. If feeding occurs close to bedtime or during the night, wipe the mouth out with a wet cloth. Try to give bottles at meal times and
