Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition characterized by massive decay of the infants teeth, particularly the upper and lower incisors.

It is caused by frequent and prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars. The worst offenders are juices, punches, soft drinks, gelatin, sugar water or other sweetened liquids. Milk and formula can also contribute to decay.

Bacteria on the teeth uses these sugars as an energy source to form acids which attack tooth enamel. An almost continuous supply of sugar (meaning an infant with a bottle of juice in his mouth most of the day) means that decay takes place on a continuous basis rather than just at the times of feeding.

Prevention:

• Never put your child to bed with a bottle.
• Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers and do not dip the pacifier in honey, sugar or syrup.
• After each feeding, gently wipe the child's teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or gauze to remove plaque.
• Begin flossing teeth of children when all of the primary (baby) teeth have erupted.
• Don't fill your child's bottle with fluids that are primarily sugar such as punch, gelatin, and soft drinks.
• If you do not have fluoridated water then make sure your child gets fluoride in some form. Talk to your doctor about the advisability of fluoride drops or tablets.
• Inspect your child's teeth regularly and begin dental visits when teeth begin erupting.

Note: Tooth decay has also occurred with infants that are on the breast for prolonged periods of time (which can occur, for example, if the mother falls asleep while the baby is nursing).