Early childhood caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a preventable, infectious disease caused by certain types of bacteria (bugs) that live in your mouth. Bacteria stick to the film on your teeth called plaque. The bacteria feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars) and cooked starch (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). About 5 minutes after you eat, or drink, the bacteria begin making acids as they digest your food. These acids can break down the tooth’s outer surface and dissolve valuable minerals. The result is cavities. Children who snack frequently, have a high level of bacteria, or go to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water, are more likely to have ECC.
How to prevent ECC?
Many parents do not realize that nutritious food and drinks such as
milk, formula, breast milk, and fruit juice have naturally occurring
sugars that contribute to the decay process. When children go to
bed with a bottle containing milk for example, liquid sits in the child’s
mouth for an extended period creating a perfect environment for
bacteria. You can’t stop feeding your child nutritious food, but you
can regulate when and how often your child is exposed to “sugar
hits.” Limit between meal snacking and if a bottle is needed, use only
water at nap/bed time.
Research shows that children are not born with the bacteria that
cause decay, but are infected with it, usually at an early age, from
their caregiver – primarily mom. If you have ever had a cavity, you
carry the bacteria that cause cavities. Caregivers with untreated
cavities have higher levels of bacteria in their mouth and are more
likely to pass bacteria to their children. Visit your dentist for a
check up and have cavities filled. Your dentist may
recommend an antibacterial mouthwash or chewing gum containing
xylitol to help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Proper feeding techniques and cleaning your child’s mouth will also
help prevent ECC.
• Hold your baby when you feed him/her
• Remove the bottle when baby falls asleep
• Wipe off baby’s teeth/gums with a damp washcloth at least
twice per day and when baby is done eating
• Stick to a feeding schedule and limit between meal snacking
• Take your child to dentist by age one.
Parents play an important role in the early detection of decay. Lift
your child’s lip to look for early signs of decay – white spots. If you
see white spots, especially on your child’s front teeth, schedule an
appointment with your dentist.
When your baby is six months old, begin brushing baby’s teeth with
a small, soft toothbrush without toothpaste.
Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a pea-size dab of toothpaste
at age two. Instruct your child not to swallow toothpaste. Continue to
help your child brush their teeth until they have mastered this skill –
usually around eight years old.
Remember:
• Avoid passing your saliva to your child
• Put water in baby’s bottle or sippy cup at nap/bed time
• Lift your child’s lip to look for signs of decay
• Limit between meal snacking
• Keep baby’s mouth clean
• Take baby to a dentist by age one
• Schedule your exam with a dentist for optimal oral health