Early Childhood caries probably causes more pain and suffering in small children than all other conditions combined, costs society millions of dollars each year, and it is so easily preventable. None of us would harm our children's teeth and cause them severe pain intentionally, yet thousands of parents are doing this without knowing it. This section of our website is to help educate you about the dangers of Early Childhood caries, and the simple yet effective measures you can take to prevent this painful and dangerous condition from happening to your precious child.

What is Early Childhood caries and how does it happen?

Early Childhood caries is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. This occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. Among these are milk (yes, including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, soda pop and other sweetened liquids.

When a baby is put to bed with a bottle or "tippy" cup, the liquid drips into the mouth continuously. It collects around the teeth as long as the bottle is in the mouth, and is like sending the baby to bed with a mouthful of candy.

Notice how all the teeth in the left photo are severely decayed except the lower ones. As a child sleeps with the bottle, his tongue covers the lower teeth, protecting them. When we see a mouth like this, as dentists we know the child has been sleeping with a bottle. Compare how inflamed and swollen the gums are compared to a healthy mouth and teeth on the right.

What teeth are likely to be affected?

The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be damaged also. The 'baby' or primary teeth - are very important in helping your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and look cosmetically attractive. Decay in primary teeth can affect our child's permanent teeth, cause pain, and can be associated with general health problems in some children.

What causes the decay to occur?

Teeth are covered by an invisible sticky film called plaque. Bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acids. These acids then attack tooth enamel. If sugary liquid is allowed to remain in the mouth, the bacteria have more time to produce acids that can attack the teeth. Tooth decay can then occur after frequent acid attacks.

It is not only what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. This is why frequently offering your child a bottle containing sugary liquid as a pacifier, or allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night, can do serious harm to the teeth. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sweetened liquids from the bottle to pool around the child's teeth for long periods. This greatly increases your child's risk of decay.

What can you do to prevent Early Childhood caries?

• Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids OR a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey. If your baby needs a comforter between regular feedings or at bedtime, use only water in the bottle or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician.
• Begin oral care early. Wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding. Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Flossing should begin when all 20 baby teeth are present, usually by age 2 to 2 1/2.
• Schedule your child's first visit to the dentist by the first birthday. Establish a positive relationship with your child's dentist by starting dental visits early and continuing them on a regular basis.
• Check your child's teeth regularly. As soon as the first tooth comes in, lift the baby's lips and regularly check the teeth for any changes. If you see white or stained areas on the teeth, take your child to the dentist right away.

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