Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Severe tooth decay caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids in infants.
Baby bottle tooth decay, also called early childhood caries (ECC), occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids — milk, formula, fruit juice, or sweetened water — especially during sleep. The sugars pool around the teeth, feeding bacteria that produce acid and erode enamel. Upper front teeth are most commonly affected. Prevention includes never putting a baby to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water, wiping gums after feeding, transitioning to a cup by age 1, and avoiding sharing utensils (which transfers cavity-causing bacteria). If detected, treatment may include fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, or crowns depending on severity.