Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Causes: Decay occurs when infants are repeatedly given bottles of sweet liquids like fruit juice, formula or milk at bedtime or naptime. When the liquid is left clinging to a child’s teeth, bacteria forms and produces teeth-attacking acids that will cause decay. This can be very destructive to baby teeth in a short period of time.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment: A dentist can diagnose baby bottle tooth decay but it may be too late to save the teeth by the time it becomes noticeable. Prevent tooth decay by wiping the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding. It is a good rule to never allow the child to fall asleep with a bottle of sweetened liquid—including milk or formula. A clean pacifier is a dentist-recommended alternative to the bottle.