Early childhood caries, or ECC, is also known as bottle rot, baby bottle caries, and baby bottle tooth decay. It is characterized by severe tooth decay in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

Children’s teeth are susceptible to rot as soon as they erupt, and the American Dental Association urges parents to consult with their pediatric dentist when their child’s first tooth comes in or when he or she turns one. If your toddler hasn’t been to the dentist yet, turn to Pedodontic Associates in Aiea, Honolulu, and Kahului, HI.

How to Prevent ECC

ECC is caused by the frequent and extended exposure of an infant’s teeth to certain liquids. For example, children who go to bed or take naps with a bottle containing anything other than water can develop ECC. Although parents might not think of milk or formula as sweet, they both contain sugar that can pool around the teeth. While the child is sleeping, the bacteria in plaque thrive on this sugar and produce acids that attack the enamel, eventually resulting in extensive decay.

According to the American Dental Association, ECC exists if a child under the age of 71 months has decayed, missing, or filled surfaces on one or more primary teeth. ECC is an infectious disease, but your pediatric dentist knows it is preventable.

Parents can prevent ECC by sending their children to bed without a bottle or only filling the bottle with water at naptime. They should also schedule regular dental exams starting by their child’s first birthday, even if no teeth have erupted. Additionally, parents should avoid giving their children sippy cups containing sugary liquids between meals; otherwise, their teeth will be soaking in sugar all day.

If you’re looking for a kids’ dentist on Oahu or Maui, turn to Pedodontic Associates. A children’s dentist from their team will be happy to answer any questions you have about early childhood caries. Visit their website to learn more about what you can expect at the first dental visit, and call (808) 487-7933 to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Aiea; (808) 735-1733 to talk to someone in Honolulu; or (808) 877-0066 to make an appointment in Kahului.