Early Childhood Caries (ECC) or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) What is it?

Unfortunately, babies are not free from the possibility of decay. Tooth decay in babies and toddlers is often referred to as Early Childhood Caries (ECC) or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD).  It is a common bacterial infectious disease caused by certain types of bacteria that live in the mouth.  Bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that attack and destroy the tooth’s outer surface (enamel).  The end result is cavities.  Babies and toddlers who go to sleep with a bottle containing milk, breast milk, or fruit juices are more susceptible to having ECC/BBTD.

Tooth decay is also a transmissible disease.  Mothers with untreated cavities have higher levels of bacteria in their mouth and are more likely to pass bacteria to their children through kissing or using the same eating utensils.

In order to protect them from bottle tooth decay after they have consumed milk products you can use a towel to wipe excess milk from their gums.  

For more information on baby bottle tooth decay contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team.