**What is “baby bottle caries” or “Early Childhood caries”?
Early childhood caries in children, or as it is commonly known, baby bottle caries, usually occurs in children where the incisor teeth in the upper front area penetrate the gums. It is used to describe decays that start as white opaque spots on the nearby surfaces and progress rapidly. White opaque spots give way to a yellow-brown appearance over time. After this stage, it may progress as brown pits on the flat surfaces of the teeth facing the palate and lips, resulting in tooth breakage.
**What can be done to prevent this situation?
-The most important recommendations regarding its formation and progression. It includes nutrition and cleaning habits. After the first tooth emerges, brushing after feeding is necessary, or if not possible, cleaning the tooth surfaces with a clean wet cloth or cheesecloth. If you cannot clean your child's teeth, letting him drink water last may help partially wash the surfaces. In addition, the use of bottles and pacifiers should be regulated. Once the first tooth emerges, a pediatric dentist/pedodontist will inform you about this during the examination.
- Children whose mothers have untreated caries are at higher risk for early childhood caries. For your child's dental health, if possible, do not neglect your oral health check-ups before or during pregnancy.
-Night nutrition is an issue that needs to be taken into consideration regarding the formation and progression of caries. Dipping the pacifier given before going to bed at night in sugary foods or adding foods such as honey, molasses and jam to the bottle will accelerate the formation of cavities. Children of mothers who breastfeed frequently at night after the age of one are at risk of developing cavities; Therefore, after one year of age, it is recommended that you arrange night breastfeeding in consultation with your doctor. Treatment of early caries in children should be done by a specialist dentist.
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