Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The decay that occurs, especially in the teeth in the upper jaw region with the eruption of primary teeth, is called bottle tooth decay.

Foods such as honey, molasses, or sugar added to the milk given to babies at night can cause tooth decay. Milk given in a bottle accumulates on the teeth after the baby falls asleep. Saliva secretion decreases while sleeping, and the mouth cannot be cleaned, which leads to decay. These decays typically begin in the upper jaw, on the front teeth, and then spread throughout the entire jaw.

The same problem can occur from dipping a pacifier in honey or jam, or from a baby sleeping on the mother's breast all night long.

Foods like chocolate and candy given to quiet the child are also causes of this type of decay.

How can bottle tooth decay be prevented?

Babies should not sleep with a bottle in their mouth. After drinking milk from a bottle, they should be given water or their teeth should be cleaned with a damp cheesecloth. Instead of sugary foods like chocolate and candy, which stick to the teeth, vegetables and fruits (such as apples and carrots) should be preferred.

Parents should brush their baby's teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for infants. Milk with sugar, cookies, honey, or molasses should not be given in a bottle, especially at night.