Bottle Rot (Early Childhood Cavities): Prevention and Treatment

Bottle rot -- also called early childhood caries or baby bottle tooth decay -- is one of the most preventable dental problems, yet it remains common. It happens when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids, often from bottles or sippy cups. Here is what every parent needs to know.

What causes bottle rot?

The most common cause is putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. As the child sleeps, the sugary liquid pools around the teeth for hours, feeding bacteria that produce acid and destroy enamel. Frequent daytime sipping from a bottle or sippy cup has the same effect. Even breast milk can contribute if a baby nurses throughout the night on demand.

How to prevent it

Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything other than water. After feeding (breast or bottle), wipe your baby's gums and teeth with a damp cloth. Transition from bottle to cup by age 12-15 months. Avoid dipping pacifiers in sugar or honey. And start dental visits by age 1 so early signs can be caught and addressed.

What if my child already has bottle rot?

Do not wait. Early childhood cavities spread fast in baby teeth because the enamel is thinner. Dr. Sravanthi can treat affected teeth with fillings, crowns, or in severe cases, extraction. More importantly, she will help you change the habits that caused the decay so it does not affect your child's remaining teeth or incoming permanent teeth.