If you think that baby teeth are not important because they will soon be replaced by more permanent ones, you are wrong. Baby teeth help to keep a space in the jaw for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the tooth beside it may shift into the empty space so that when the time comes for the adult tooth to emerge, there may not be enough room. This can result in crooked or crowded teeth. Baby teeth are also important in helping the baby learn how to speak and talk properly. And of course, healthy-looking teeth are a tremendous boost to a child's self-confidence and self-esteem Prolonged milk bottle use may cause some children to develop cavities and lose their baby teeth. The medical term for the condition is “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” (BBTD) Despite the introduction of water fluoridation, BBTD still occurs today. The good news is that if the problem is recognised early, the tooth can still be saved.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay include: • White spots on the teeth as a result of demineralisation in the teeth • Cavities on the teeth • Painful toothaches which hinder eating • Swollen or bleeding gums • Fever caused by gum or tooth infection

Causes

Children's teeth are more susceptible to bacterial attacks and tooth decay than the teeth of adults. There are usually some bacteria in our mouth. These are often harmless unless we create conditions for them to cause harm to our teeth. Hence, when babies are allowed to keep their bottles of milk and other sugared drinks in their mouths for many hours during the night, the sugars nourish the bacteria in the mouth, and a steady stream of acid is produced in the process. Milk contains a sugar called lactose which bacteria can use to generate acids. They can do the same with the natural sugars found in natural juices. Over time, the acid can cause the demineralisation in the teeth. It can also break down the tooth enamel, the outermost hard layer of the tooth. In severe cases, it may infect the underlying tissues of the teeth and the bone structures supporting the teeth, resulting in permanent damage. Hence, teeth that are severely decayed will have to be extracted.

Treatment

The treatment options for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay vary depending on how serious the condition is. Very young and uncooperative children may need sedation or general anaesthesia for treatment to be carried out. Discuss with the dentist what the best management option for your child is. If demineralisation on the teeth such as chalky white spots or lines, are detected early, the teeth may be re-mineralised by applying fluoride and modifying the child's diet. If decay is obvious, your child may need to cover his teeth with a filling material or stainless steel crowns. If the decay has reached the pulp chamber, pulp therapy or extractions may be considered.

Prevention

A common misconception among parents is that baby teeth are unlikely to decay soon after they first emerge. Hence, by the time they notice any decay, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below: • After every bottle feeding, take a wet cloth or gauze pad and gently wipe your child's gums and teeth. This will remove any bacteria-containing plaque and excess sugar that may have built up. • The first tooth of your child is likely to erupt about six months old. As soon as the first tooth erupts, you can begin to brush the baby's tooth. There is no need to use toothpaste at this age of your child. • All his baby teeth should have erupted by age 2 or 2_. At this age, use a small pea-sized amount of children fluoridated toothpaste if you child is able to spit out. • Do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweetened liquid other than water. • Do not give your baby a pacifier dipped in any type of substance containing large amounts of honey or other sugars. • Start to encourage your child to drink from a cup at six months. • Whenever juices are offered, let your child drink it from a cup. • By the time your child is around one year old, you can start to wean him from the bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup. • Before your child's first birthday, he should have seen a dentist. This visit is important to educate parents and to help prevent cavities. Make these visits regularly.