Baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, which is why cavities progress faster in them. They need to be treated even though the tooth will eventually fall out: a baby tooth with a cavity can hurt, become infected and affect the permanent tooth forming underneath. Baby bottle tooth decay is the earliest form and usually starts in the upper front teeth.
Why Baby Teeth Are More Prone to Cavities
- Thinner enamel, so decay reaches the pulp sooner.
- Frequent sugars: juices, biscuits, chocolate milk or snacking between meals.
- Bacteria transmission from sharing cutlery or sucking on the child's dummy.
- Passing on bacteria by sharing cutlery or sucking the dummy.
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
It is a type of tooth decay that appears in babies and young children who fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, or who breastfeed on demand during the night without any oral hygiene afterwards once their teeth have come in. While they sleep, less saliva is produced and sugar stays in contact with the teeth for hours.
It usually starts in the upper front teeth, because the lower ones are protected by the tongue. Dipping the dummy in honey or sugar also encourages it.
At wiloo, we specialise in children's dental health. Find out how we work in paediatric dentistry and prevention.
How to Spot a Cavity in Your Child
| Phase | What You Can See | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Early stage | Chalky white spots near the gum line | Check-up: it can be stopped with fluoride and good hygiene |
| Moderate stage | Brown spots or small holes | Filling as soon as possible |
| Advanced stage | Broken tooth, pain or gum abscess | Urgent treatment: pulpotomy or extraction |
Treatments by Severity
- Early decay: fluoride varnish and changes to hygiene and diet.
- Decay affecting the enamel and dentine: filling.
- Decay reaching the pulp: pulpotomy and restoration, often with a crown.
- Tooth that cannot be saved: extraction and, if needed, a space maintainer.
How to Prevent Cavities at Home
- Brush their teeth twice a day from the very first tooth, with the right amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- The bedtime brush is the most important one: after that, only water.
- Don’t let them fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Cut down on sugar and snacking between meals.
- Don’t share cutlery or clean their dummy with your mouth.
- Check-ups with a paediatric dentist every 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a baby tooth be filled?
Yes, if the decay has formed a hole. Some baby molars stay in place until the age of 10-12 and need to be healthy for chewing and to hold the space for the permanent tooth.
Does night-time breastfeeding cause cavities?
Breast milk on its own has a low potential to cause cavities, but combined with other sugars in the diet and without good hygiene it can encourage tooth decay. Clean your child’s teeth after the last feed and discuss your situation with a paediatric dentist.
Can a cavity in a baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?
It can. An infection in a baby tooth can damage the enamel of the permanent tooth forming underneath.
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