Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a form of rampant cavities found in young children who have routinely been given a bottle at bedtime, prolonged at-will breastfeeding, or drinking sugary liquids from the bottle throughout the day. These frequent and long exposures to sugary liquids (milk, breast milk, formula, juice, soda and other sweetened drinks) can cause decay. The decay usually begins on the upper front teeth and starts as chalky white spots near the gum line. If these spots are not treated they can become cavities very quickly. If your child is not seen for this condition it may become painful. Here are some simple tips, which may help prevent BBTD.

1. Brush your baby’s teeth and gums after each feeding.
2. Replace the bottle with a sippy cup at one year of age.
   Note: A sippy cup may also cause and contribute to BBTD if filled with sugary drinks and/or sent to bed with the child.
3. Fill bottles and sippy cups with water instead of sugary liquids between feedings and at bedtime.
4. Do not allow your child to nurse in bed.
5. Schedule a dental visit by one year of age to begin a healthy start on your dental development.