“Baby-bottle” tooth decay (now called “early childhood caries”), is related to several factors, such as sugar (carbohydrates), frequency of sugar exposure, and bacteria. Children who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice are more likely to get tooth decay because the teeth are constantly in contact with sugar. For the same reason, children who are breastfed “on-demand” are at a higher risk of developing decay. Frequent snacking during the day also increases the risk of decay.
Here are some tips to avoid early childhood caries: