Diseases

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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Tooth decay in infants and very young children is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. Baby Bottle tooth decay happens when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars (like milk, formula, and fruit juice) cling to an infant's teeth for a long time.

SYMPTOMS

Brown or black spots on the teeth.,Bleeding or swollen gums.,Fever, swelling or irritability, which could indicate infection.,Bad breath.

CAUSES

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of achild's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque.