Baby bottle tooth decay also called as nursing bottle caries or early childhood caries. Tooth decay in infants and very young children is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. This dental problem develops in infants especially infants that are put to bed with a bottle containing a sweet liquid. Baby bottle tooth decay is commonly seen in upper front teeth, other teeth may also be affected. Baby teeth serve as place holders for the permanent teeth. Decay in the baby teeth can affect the child’s chewing, speaking and smiling. The breast milk or formula that comforts and nourishes your baby can also cause severe tooth decay.
Baby teeth are also called as primary teeth or deciduous teeth. Teething usually begins around 6 months of age. In majority of babies first tooth will erupt between 4 and 7 months. All the set of primary teeth will be seen by his/her third birthday. Don’t neglect the baby teeth because healthy baby teeth will lead to healthy permanent teeth. Decayed primary teeth can disturb the permanent teeth eruption which results in crooked or crowded permanent teeth.
Bottles containing milk, formula, juices, and sugar water continuously bathe an infant’s mouth with sugar. The bacteria such as streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus use sugar and produce acids. These acids destroy the enamel of baby teeth. Sugars, bacteria and time are the key factors for the cavity formation.
Chalky white spots appear on the tooth surface. This is the early sign of tooth decay. If you notice the white spots on the teeth immediately consult your dentist to stop the further progression of the decay. Severe decay appears in dark brown in color. If a tooth is decayed and left untreated pain and infection can occur. Baby bottle tooth decay can leads to pain, infection, crowded permanent teeth and pain while eating. Baby’s smile, chewing and speaking also affected by the baby bottle tooth decay
Your dentist will give you the best treatment plan because the type of treatment depends on severity of the decay and the age of child. White spots on the tooth surface can be treated by fluoride treatment or placing fluoride varnish can be used to remineralize the tooth. Severe decay can be treated by pulpectomy, restoration process or tooth extraction.