Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Nursing Bottle or Nursing Mouth Syndrome, is a dental condition that can destroy an infant's teeth.  This is caused when an infant's teeth are frequently exposed for long periods of time to liquids containing sugar.  Among these liquids are milk, breast milk, formula, fruit juice and other sweetened liquids.

Allowing your baby to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can harm their teeth.  During sleep, the flow of saliva decreased and allows the liquids to remain around the teeth.  Teeth are covered by a thin sticky film called plaque.  Bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acid which attacks the enamel of the tooth.  Tooth decay occurs after frequent acid attacks, breaking down the enamel of the tooth.

A bottle should not be used as a pacifier or an aid to help your baby sleep, unless it contains water. After each feeding wipe your baby's gums and teeth with a clean damp washcloth or gauze pad.  Begin brushing with a child-size soft-bristle toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears and clean and massage the gums that remain toothless.  Visit the dentist by your child's first birthday.  Even though this may seem early, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.   

Our Dental Clinic will apply sealants and fluoride to prevent cavities:

A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Topical fluoride or fluoride varnish (for very young children ages 1 to 3 years old) is provided twice a year to prevent cavities from forming on the smooth surfaces of the teeth.