For Parents
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities are caused by bacteria or germs that live in the mouth, and grow by sugary and sticky foods and drinks. When the bacteria digest our food they produce acids which cause teeth to become soft. This is a gradual process and with proper care it can be avoided. Everything we eat and drink with the exception of water has the potential to cause cavities if the teeth are not cared for properly.
A severe form of tooth decay that occurs in infants and toddlers is called "Nursing Caries" or "Baby Bottle Syndrome". This disease is caused by improper or prolonged use of the bottle and/or improper breast feeding.
Appropriate oral hygiene measures will reduce the risk of nursing-pattern decay, both for the breast-fed or bottle-fed baby.
Never allow your baby to sleep with a bottle or at the breast. When your child sleeps the milk or formula pools around his front teeth and lays on these teeth all night or during his nap. Milk, formula and juices contain sugar and extended exposure to these liquids can cause severe decay. Nursing and bottle feeding should be discontinued by the age of twelve to fourteen months of age.
Liquid medicines also may contain high levels of sugar. Always clean your child's teeth after he/she takes medicine.
