What is nursing/bottle syndrome? - Queen Village Family Dentistry (2024)

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What is nursing/bottle syndrome? - Queen Village Family Dentistry? ›

Nursing-bottle syndrome, also known as baby-bottle tooth decay or baby-bottle syndrome, is the rapid decay of a child's primary teeth caused by prolonged contact with infant formula, milk or juice. This often occurs because young children fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth.

“Baby bottle syndrome,” “nursing caries,” or “bottle mouth caries” are names to describe a pattern of caries where the deciduous upper incisors and molars are more severely disrupted. A key feature of this type of caries is the sparing of the lower incisors, which can be completely healthy or mildly affected.

Nursing Bottle Caries | Overview

Nursing caries, or tooth decay, can be caused when your child sleeps with a bottle. This condition is also called baby bottle tooth decay. It is caused when a child goes to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice — anything except water.

Your dental professional may recommend fluoride treatments such as a fluoride toothpaste, in-office treatment that may include silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which can remineralize the enamel and dentin, or mouthrinses. More severe cases might call for pit-and-fissure sealants to help prevent and control cavities.

By implementing simple yet effective measures such as wiping your baby's gums and teeth after feeding, avoiding sugary drinks in bottles, and encouraging good oral hygiene practices early on, you can help protect your child's teeth from decay and ensure that they have a healthy smile for years to come.

Here are the things you need to know about breastfeeding and your teeth. Increased Risk for Cavities – Many women experience an increased risk for cavities when they are pregnant and/or nursing.

When tooth decay occurs in infants and toddlers it is often referenced as bottle mouth, baby bottle tooth decay, and early childhood caries. Most often baby bottle tooth decay occurs in the front upper and lower teeth but can also become a problem in any of the other teeth as well.

It is caused by prolonged exposure to milk or sugary liquids. Children at risk for bottlemouth syndrome take bottles of milk or juice to bed at naptime and bedtime. They also carry sugary beverages or milk around during the day. It is most common in the upper front teeth.

Does bottle feeding affect teeth alignment? ›

It can also cause developmental issues with the teeth and facial bones, leading to alignment and speech problems. Using a bottle for too long can also increase the risks of tooth decay because the sugars in milk are consistently passing over the teeth, leading to more enamel erosion.

Once your baby's teeth start to come through, falling asleep with a bottle can lead to tooth decay. The sugar in milk sitting on the teeth all night turn into acids, which can result in an erosion of the enamel.

Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material.

Although it can damage all baby teeth, baby bottle tooth decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth. Not all children experience the same symptoms. However, white spots or brown areas on baby teeth, pain and swelling are frequent signs of baby bottle tooth decay.

Infant tooth decay can affect permanent teeth.

It is important to address infant tooth decay promptly to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of future dental issues. This includes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, practicing good oral hygiene at home, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby's teeth to drinks that contain sugar.

The development of your child's muscles, mouth, and palate are all affected by the way that babies suck on bottles. Long term baby bottle use can not only negatively affect your child's teeth but can also cause misalignment issues.

Oral bacteria feed on the sugar on and around the teeth and then emit harmful acids. These acids attack tooth enamel and wear it away. The result is painful cavities and pediatric tooth decay. Infants who are not receiving an appropriate amount of fluoride are at increased risk for tooth decay.

Detriments Of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Also, if baby teeth do not develop correctly, due to decay especially, an infant may establish deficient eating habits, experience speech problems, and permanent teeth may “come in” crowded and misaligned.