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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

McKenzie Pediatrics 2009

What is BBTD?

This condition, also known as Nursing Caries, is a form of tooth decay that affects infants and toddlers. It involves many teeth, and the lesions develop rapidly. It results from the bacteria streptococcus mutans, which lives on teeth, metabolizing sugar to acid, which over time causes the demineralization (or erosion) of the enamel of the teeth. Baby teeth have very thin enamel as compared to permanent teeth, and thus are more susceptible to decay.

What Are The Causes of BBTD?

What Does BBTD Look Like?

This condition can be seen as early as 10 to 12 months of age, as a chalky while band of enamel parallel to the gum line, especially in the four top front teeth. Over time, the white areas turn brown, and eventually the entire tooth may be destroyed. Once early changes are seen, the teeth should be treated with fluoride varnish as soon as possible.