Smile Services

Preventive Care

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
What Causes It?

Baby bottle tooth decay, also called bottle syndrome, is a condition that can destroy your child's primary (baby) teeth. It occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to liquids that contain sugar, such as milk, formula, or fruit juice.

Harmful bacteria feed
on sugars.

The liquid from the bottle pools around your child's teeth, providing food for decay-causing bacteria. The bacteria form acids that dissolve tooth enamel, causing decay. Any liquid containing sugar - even breast milk - can cause decay-producing acid attacks on your child's teeth.

Preventing baby bottle tooth decay.

To help prevent baby bottle tooth decay:

• Clean your child's teeth after each feeding
• Never give a bottle in bed, unless it contains only water.
• Begin flossing your child's teeth daily once all primary teeth have come in.

If you have any other questions, ask us for more information.