Early Childhood Tooth Decay
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Babies are born without the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Sharing utensils, cleaning a pacifier in an adults mouth, and sharing foods, will introduce the bacteria to your child. You can stop the transmission of decay causing bacteria by avoiding these actions. Therefore, DO NOT SHARE WATER BOTTLES, CUPS, FORKS, SPOONS, AND EVEN ICE CREAM.
Several specific types of bacteria that live on the teeth cause decay. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria use the sugar and then manufacture acids that dissolve the teeth and cause an infection in the tooth. This infection is called decay.
What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk, or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.