Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition in which children develop cavities very early in life. In most cases, it results from tooth damage caused by too much exposure to sweetened liquids in a baby bottle. However, children are also at risk when they drink liquids regularly from a sippy cup or consistently eat sugary foods.

Baby bottle tooth decay primarily results from damage to the tooth enamel caused by long-term exposure to almost any type of liquid other than water. The sugars in such liquids – including cow’s milk, formula, breast milk, fruit juice, punches and gelatin – cling to teeth for a long period of time, allowing bacteria to feed and creating acid that damages tooth enamel.

Cavities early in life can jeopardize a child’s long-term dental health. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, other adjacent teeth may begin to drift into the empty space. This can prevent permanent teeth from coming in straight later on, or may prevent them from erupting at all (impaction). Children with early tooth decay are at risk for pain and infection and may have lifelong problems with their teeth or develop other conditions such as speech impediments.

A dentist will often diagnose baby bottle tooth decay. There are several characteristic signs of this condition. Teeth may become pocked, pitted or discolored. Early on, teeth may develop small white spots or lines, especially near the edges of the gums. Over time, these patches may become brown or chipped.

By the time baby bottle tooth decay is obvious enough to be diagnosed, it may be too late to save the teeth. Dental treatment and restoration may be necessary. In severe cases, children may develop cavities that are so serious that they require teeth extraction.