Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Nursing Bottle Syndrome
 Your
baby's teeth are at risk for Nursing Bottle Syndrome
or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay if their teeth are exposed
to any liquid containing sugar including milk, formula and juice
for extended periods of time. This happens most often when babies
fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth or a small amount of formula
or breast milk remains in their mouth after falling asleep. It can
also happen with pacifiers that have been dipped into sweet liquids
such as honey or syrup.
What seems like harmless, healthy food can turn to destructive
acid by the oral bacteria in the child’s mouth and cause cavities
(tooth decay). The most common teeth to be affected are the upper
anterior (front teeth) since they are some of the first teeth to
erupt and therefore have longer exposure to the acid from the sugar.
What should I do to avoid Nursing Bottle Syndrome in my
baby’s teeth?
- Parents should use damp gauze to wipe a sleeping child’s
teeth and gums and brush your baby’s teeth daily from the
time the first tooth erupts. This will help to remove the harmful
bacteria which changes the sugars to acid.
- Use the bottle for nutrition only and not as a habit. Do not
allow a child to fall asleep with milk, breast milk or formula
in their mouths.
- Give your child water when they are thirsty.
- Wean your baby from the bottle to a cup by the time they are
1 year old. You can dilute or water down the liquids gradually
over time until there is only water given in the bottle.
- Have your dental hygienist or dentist look at your baby’s
teeth regularly from the time the first tooth erupts. This brief
look can be combined with the parent’s check-up appointment.
How do I recognize Nursing Bottle Syndrome?
Parents need to make a habit of examining their child’s teeth
on a regular basis because, by the time it becomes really obvious,
it might be to late. Look for spots that do not brush off along
the gum line of the front teeth. Also pay attention to any signs
of sensitivity, discomfort or pain when the child eats food that
is cold or sweet.
Complications of Nursing Bottle Syndrome
Extreme situations may involve the pulp (nerve or the live portion)
of the tooth causing pain. The child may need to undergo a special
treatment to remove the pulp of the tooth, crowns may be needed
to replace the decayed tooth structure or extraction (removal) of
the front teeth may be necessary. This may affect the eruption of
the permanent teeth and may also affect self-esteem and speech patterns.
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