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.
