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.

A List of Snacks

Snacking can cause an increase in weight, cause dental decay and increase the negative impact of too many calories consumed. But if you are going to consume smaller meals, eating a healthy snack in between can be a fantastic way to ward off consuming too many calories and a large meal at the end of the day. Dr. Lee recommends, “Stick to these six rules when snacking in order to keep your sugar levels under control.”

 

Good Snacks promote good health:

·      Milk-high calcium content promotes healthy teeth and bones

·      Cheese-high calcium content promotes healthy teeth, probiotic benefits

·      Tap Water-contains fluoride, a mineral that protects against tooth decay

·      Fresh fruits-high in water contents & fibers: apples, oranges, pears, melons, strawberries and others

·      Raw vegetables-high in water contents & fibers: broccoli, celery, carrots, spinach, cucumbers and others

·      Yogurt-high calcium content strengthens teeth; has healthy, protective bacteria

For more information on healthy food choices, contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team today!

Cause of ECC/BBTD

There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent and prolonged exposure of the baby's teeth to drinks that contain sugar. An example would be infants or toddlers who snack with a bottle (juices) between meals frequently. Research shows that about five minutes after teeth are exposed to the sugar, bacteria produce the acids to begin the destruction of the enamel.

Tooth decay is also a transmissible disease. Studies show that bacteria are transmitted from mothers to children through saliva. Mothers with untreated cavities have higher levels of bacteria in their mouth and are more likely to pass bacteria to their children. An example would be the mother who puts the baby's feeding spoon in her mouth and then into her baby's mouth passing bacteria to the baby.
 

  Dr. Anna Lee, D.D.S.