As soon as a baby’s first teeth appear — usually by age six months or so — the child is susceptible to tooth decay. This condition is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries (cavities).

In some unfortunate cases, infants and toddlers have experienced severe tooth decay that has resulted in dental restorations or extractions. The good news is that decay is preventable.

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Decay in infants and children is called baby bottle tooth decay. It can destroy the teeth and most often occurs in the upper front teeth. But other teeth may also be affected.

What causes baby bottle tooth decay?

Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging to an infant’s teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.

It’s not just what you put in your child’s bottle that causes decay, but how often and for how long a time. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn’t a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm the child’s teeth.

Why are baby teeth important?

Your child’s baby teeth are important. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it’s time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded.

How can baby bottle tooth decay be prevented?

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby’s teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:

1. After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad. Begin brushing your child’s teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2 1/2.

2. Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.

3. If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night or during naps, give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.

4. Avoid filling your child’s bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.

5. If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist or pediatrician how your child should get it.

6. Start dental visits by the child’s first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible

An affordable preventative procedure that should be considered is the application of pit and fissure dental sealants.

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay most often occurs. And the wonderful thing is that little Suzie does not have to be numbed for the procedure. More on sealants will follow on a later date.

Dr. Manny Velez is a dentist in Wheeling. He can be reached at Velezman@verizon.net.