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Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition in young children that is caused as a result of inappropriate feeding. If the child is feeding from the bottle for a long time, it results in prolonged exposure of the teeth to the milk or juice. These substances break down to lactic acid causing tooth decay. This dental condition occurs in children between 1 to 3 years of age.
Causes
Exposing the teeth to sugars for a long duration is the primary cause of baby bottle tooth decay. This typically happens as a result of bed time feeding. Many people feed their children with milk, juice, baby food formulas and the like at the time of going to bed. All of these foods contain sugars.
The sugar present in these foods reacts with the bacteria present in the teeth. These bacteria, in turn, produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel. As a result, the tooth tends to get decayed. The longer the sugar is exposed to the tooth enamel, the more are the chances of tooth decay.
Treatment
If baby bottle tooth decay continues for a long time, it may result in caries or tooth decay. The problem can be treated depending upon the condition of the teeth. For instance, if BBTD is detected at an early stage, the problem can be treated with suitable changes in the diet along with fluoride application.
The fluoride application will help remineralize the teeth. Stainless steel crowns or dental veneers may be required if the entire tooth has been decayed. Extraction or pulp therapy may be required in case the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth.
Prevention
Eliminating the root cause of the problem is the best way to prevent it. Make sure that your child is not nibbling on to his feeding bottle for a long time. If your child does not want to give away the feeding bottle, then fill the bottle with plain water.
Besides, parents should also try to ensure that they do not give their children any kind of pacifier that is immersed in any sweet solution. For instance, many parents give their children pacifier dipped in honey. This should strictly be avoided to keep baby bottle tooth decay at bay.
Also, you could try to wean away your child from the bottle at night. Give him diluted milk in the night and whole milk in the morning. This will make your child like the milk lesser at night. Gradually, he will learn to sleep without the bottle at night.
You certainly would want to give your child a lifetime smile. Thus, it is important that you take appropriate steps to take care of his/her teeth.
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