{"id":3689,"date":"2021-07-12T15:06:26","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T15:06:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=3689"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:18:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:18:29","slug":"baby-bottle-tooth-decay-causes-consequences-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/baby-bottle-tooth-decay-causes-consequences-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Causes, Consequences, & Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, but it\u2019s entirely preventable. Learn the facts and how to protect your baby\u2019s smile below<\/span><\/h2>\n

Baby bottle tooth decay as a parent, your baby relies on you to help them develop a healthy, happy smile.<\/p>\n

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How you take care of their mouth and teeth when they\u2019re young can have a profound, lasting impact on both their dental health and <\/span>overall health.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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One of the biggest health risks to look out for is baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries (ECC).<\/span><\/p>\n

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But what many parents may not know is that decay can start as soon as your little one\u2019s first tooth comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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And just because their teeth aren\u2019t permanent doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re any less important. Left untreated, baby bottle tooth decay can cause developmental, Cosmetic Dental Implants<\/a>, and functional issues that can follow your child for many years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In today\u2019s article, we\u2019ll be laying out everything you need to know about this all-too-common condition, and what you can do to ensure your little one grows up with a healthy smile they can be proud of.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?<\/span><\/h2>\n

This term is typically used as a blanket statement for childhood tooth decay or cavities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tooth decay occurs when sugars interact with the bacteria in your mouth. The result is a harmful acid that can eat away at the outer layers of your teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The name \u201cbaby bottle tooth decay\u201d comes from one of the common causes: when babies are allowed to drink sugary drinks from their bottles too frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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One of the most common examples is when parents lay their baby down for bed at night with a bottle full of milk or formula.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They may not realize it, but these drinks contain sugars and can cause tooth decay in baby teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As long as you clean their mouth and gums before laying them down, there\u2019s nothing wrong with feeding your little one before bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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But when you leave the bottle in bed with them, they can expose their teeth to <\/span>harmful sugars<\/b><\/a> throughout the night, which break down their enamel and lead to cavities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, let\u2019s take a look at some of the other leading causes, so you know what you\u2019re up against.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Including the causes mentioned above, here\u2019s a list of factors that can increase your child\u2019s risk of tooth decay:<\/span><\/p>\n