We regularly see young children brought in with tooth decay that parents did not expect. One of the most common causes is bottle caries, also known as early childhood caries.

Bottle caries is a form of tooth decay that affects babies and toddlers, often starting as early as the first teeth erupt. It develops quietly and can progress very quickly if not addressed early.

What Is Bottle Caries?

Bottle caries happens when a child’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods of time. This includes:
• milk (including formula)
• sweetened milk
• fruit juice
• porridge or drinks given in bottles
• sweetened pacifiers

When a child falls asleep with a bottle or uses a bottle throughout the day for comfort, sugars remain on the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars and produce acids that attack the tooth enamel, leading to decay.

The upper front teeth are usually affected first, but bottle caries can quickly spread to other teeth.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

A common misconception we hear at Gentle Dental is, “They’re just baby teeth — they’ll fall out anyway.”
This is not true.

Baby teeth are essential for:
• proper chewing and nutrition
• speech development
• guiding permanent teeth into the correct position
• a child’s comfort, confidence, and sleep

Untreated bottle caries can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, poor sleep, and in severe cases, abscesses that may affect the developing permanent teeth underneath.

Signs Parents Should Watch For

Early bottle caries may not cause pain at first. Warning signs include:
• white or chalky spots on the teeth
• yellow or brown discoloration
• visible holes or broken teeth
• swollen or red gums
• bad breath in a young child

By the time pain appears, the decay is often advanced.

How Bottle Caries Can Be Prevented

At Gentle Dental, prevention starts with simple habits:
• Avoid putting your child to sleep with a bottle containing milk or juice
• Do not dip pacifiers in sugar or honey
• Start cleaning your baby’s mouth as soon as teeth erupt
• Use a soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (as advised by your dentist)
• Transition from bottle to cup as recommended for your child’s age

Most importantly, early dental visits matter. A child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting.

Treatment at Gentle Dental

If bottle caries is detected early, treatment may be as simple as fluoride application and close monitoring. More advanced cases may require fillings, crowns, or other restorative care — always tailored gently and appropriately for children.

We focus on:
• early detection
• gentle, child-friendly care
• educating parents to prevent recurrence
• preserving baby teeth whenever possible

Final Word

Bottle caries is preventable, but it requires awareness and early action. If you notice changes in your child’s teeth or habits, don’t wait for pain to appear.

At Gentle Dental, we believe healthy smiles start early — and protecting baby teeth is an investment in your child’s lifelong oral health.