Early Childhood Caries
(ECC)/ Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
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Infant's Oral Health
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Prevent
ECC
Lift the lip: get to know your child's teeth, as they appear
healthy. Lift the lip monthly to notice any changes in the
appearance of the teeth. |
Cause of ECC:
- Decay in infants and toddlers is called Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
- A baby's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in
the mouth.
- ECC occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary
liquids or foods, causing frequent acid attacks which can begin to
break down tooth enamel.
- Dental plaque (thin, sticky film of
bacteria that covers teeth), combined with sugar produces an acid.
SUGAR + PLAQUE (germs) = ACID
- The upper front teeth are usually the first teeth to show signs of
ECC.
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Signs of ECC:
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Very Early
Decay
ECC can appear as white chalky areas around the gum line.
If detected at this early stage stopping or reversing decay is possible.
Consult a oral health professional. |
Decay
ECC can progress
to brown spots, which will require dental treatment.
Pain and/or Infection can result from ECC. |
Severe
Decay
Eventually tooth structure can be lost which can result in tooth
loss. |
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Prevention of ECC:
- Water is the best beverage choice between meals, or if a bottle is
given at bedtime.
- Any liquid containing sugar can help to cause tooth decay
such as: Formula, Milk including breast milk,
Juice, Pop
- If your child is using a bottle/sippy cup try to wean your child
by 12-15 months
- Encourage the use of an open-faced cup by 12-15 months
- When your child starts solid foods limit sweet, sticky foods.
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Lift the lip: get to know your child's teeth, as they appear
healthy. Lift the lip monthly to notice any changes in the
appearance of the teeth. |
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ECC can have devastating effects on your child.
Tooth decay, pain, infection and premature loss of very
important baby teeth can result from ECC.
Primary (baby) teeth are important because:
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Primary (baby) teeth last for one-sixth of a person's life
- Chewing on well-formed teeth helps the jaw bones to grow and develop properly
- Primary (baby) provide proper space for the eruption of permanent teeth
- Primary (baby) are necessary for proper chewing of food, and normal digestive processes
- Primary (baby) are also necessary for the development of sounds and proper speech development
- Healthy baby teeth are also important for a child's self esteem and well being
- Children do not lose all of their baby teeth at once. Certain baby molars are expected to be in the child's mouth until 12-13 years of age.
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Practice Early Oral Care:
Begin oral care first week of life.
- Use a clean wet washcloth, gauze or finger cot to clean gums daily.
- If nursing/bottle feeding, ensure the baby has swallowed all of the milk before
lying him/her down.
- Once teeth are present use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean teeth.
Or continue to use a clean wet washcloth, gauze or finger
cot to clean gums daily until you are comfortable using a
toothbrush.
- Avoid transferring harmful bacteria to baby… i.e. do not
put infants utensils, soothers in adult's mouth.
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Oral Health Matters for You and your Baby (20 page booklet)
by the College of Dental Hygienists
http://www.cdho.org/images/BabyPamph.pdf
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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