Early Childhood Caries (Tooth Decay or Cavities)

You do everything possible to protect your baby from harm.

How Serious is Early Childhood Caries and What Contributes to This Disease?

Babies and young children who nap or sleep at night with a bottle containing anything but plain water are at risk of early childhood caries.
Even liquids that are good for the baby, such as milk, formula and fruit juices, all contain natural sugars that can cause tooth decay.
Early childhood caries most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may be affected as well.
Toothaches caused by decay can affect the child's eating, chewing and therefore their nutrition.
By the time a parent notices the decay, it may be too late to save the teeth.
Baby teeth are also important placeholders in the jaw for the adult teeth.
If a baby tooth is lost too early, the adjacent baby teeth may drift into the empty space causing the adult teeth to come in or erupt in a crooked or crowded manner.
Remember that giving a child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day, and especially at naptime or nighttime, can cause harm to your child's teeth.

Did you know?

As soon as your baby's first teeth appear, usually around age six months, they are susceptible to decay. Early childhood caries occurs when sugary liquids pool around an infant's or toddler's teeth and gums for long periods. Bacteria use the sugar to produce acids that cause decay. When babies are given a bottle of milk, formula or juice at bedtime, that's when trouble can start. Over time, even babies can develop cavities and painful toothaches.

By spending a few minutes each day to care for your baby's teeth, you can help ensure a healthy start for your baby's oral health and smile

How Can You Prevent Early Childhood Caries?

Starting at birth, clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth or gauze pad after each feeding. This process becomes a normal, daily routine for your baby and begins to get them used to cleaning their mouth.
Begin brushing your baby's teeth with a small soft toothbrush or gauze as soon as the first tooth erupts, usually around six months. Continue cleaning the gums in the toothless areas.
Resist the temptation to allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweet liquid. Pass this advice along to grandparents and other caregivers.
If your child needs comforting between regular feedings, at night or naptime, fill a bottle with cool water or give your child a clean pacifier. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in anything sweet.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday.