Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: What Parents Should Know

Just because baby teeth are temporary doesn’t mean they don’t matter. In fact, they play a big role in how your child eats, speaks, and eventually smiles. They also help guide permanent teeth into the right place.

That’s why early oral care matters, and why something like Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (also called Early Childhood Caries) is worth learning about, especially for new parents.

What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

It’s exactly what it sounds like, tooth decay that happens in babies or toddlers, usually when they’re regularly exposed to sugary liquids through bottles or sippy cups.

Most often, it starts in the upper front teeth, but it can affect others as well.

What Causes It?

There are a few key factors that can lead to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

• Sugary drinks in bottles, especially when used as a pacifier or at bedtime
• Prolonged bottle feeding, especially when children fall asleep with a bottle
• Sharing saliva, like tasting baby’s food with the same spoon or cleaning a pacifier in your mouth
• Low fluoride exposure, which can make teeth more vulnerable to cavities

These behaviors introduce cavity-causing bacteria into your baby’s mouth and give them a perfect environment to grow.

Simple Ways to Prevent It

Good habits can make a big difference early on. Here’s what you can do:

• Wipe baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding
• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for kids ages 3 to 6
• Don’t share spoons or lick pacifiers - this can pass bacteria
• Stick to milk, breastmilk, or formula in bottles - no juice, sugar water, or soda
• Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle
• Keep pacifiers clean - don’t dip them in honey or anything sweet

Also, keep brushing time fun. Use songs, let them choose their toothbrush, or brush your teeth together. Making it a positive habit early on sets the tone for better care later.

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Start Strong with Healthy Habits

Baby teeth may be temporary, but the habits you build around them can shape your child’s dental health for years. We’re here to support you, answer questions, and help guide your child’s smile every step of the way. Ready for your little one’s first visit? Book online or give us a call. Our team makes it simple and stress-free.