Early Childhood Tooth Decay

What Causes Tooth Decay?

There are several types of bacteria that live on teeth and cause decay. These bacteria use sugar from foods to produce acid which dissolves the teeth.

What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?

Early childhood tooth decay is cavities in young children.  It can be associated with babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.  Those drinks contain sugar which stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.

Some Tips To Avoid Early Childhood Tooth Decay

  • Do not put your child to bed with a bottle/sippy cup of milk or juice. Use water instead.
  • Stop nursing or bottle feeding when your child is asleep.
  • Do not let your child walk around using a bottle/sippy cup of milk or juice as a pacifier.
  • At 6 – 9 months of age, start teaching your child to drink from a cup. Plan to stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months at the latest.
  • Do not dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar.
  • Do not allow your infant/toddler to drink soda.