Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Leading Cause of Children's Tooth Loss

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD), a serious dental condition that strikes children between the ages of one and four. When left unchecked, BBTD leads to serious conditions that affect children's later dental health, eating habits and growth.

BBTD is caused by prolonged exposure to fluids such as milk, formula and juice, especially when used in a bedtime or naptime bottle. Sugary fluids pool around children's teeth and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Acid produced by bacteria attacks tooth enamel and causes decay after repeated attacks. Long time exposure leads to severe toothaches, abscessed teeth or tooth loss.

Delta Dental offers parents important advice for preventing BBTD. The not-for-profit dental benefits provider advises parents to begin offering fluids in a cup to children at age six months and have babies off bottles at the age of one year. Avoid using a bottle to help children fall asleep or fill it with water rather than sugary liquids. Clean the baby's gum and tooth area with a soft washcloth at least once a day after the appearance of the first tooth. Parents should also check baby's mouth once a month for any early signs of tooth decay, such as white streaks on the upper four front teeth near the gum line. A child's first dental appointment should be scheduled around the time of the second birthday or sooner if parents notice problems.

"Our goal is to highlight the fact that baby, or primary, teeth are very important for a child," says Jed J. Jacobson, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., vice president, professional services, and dental director at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Children need healthy teeth for chewing, speaking clearly, developing self-esteem and spacing for their permanent teeth."

"We want to let parents know that with a little effort they can ensure their child will have a happy, healthy smile," says Dr. Jacobson.

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