Nursing bottle caries is form of tooth decay that is caused in children sleeping with bottles in their mouth. It is also called as early childhood caries(ECC)/baby bottle caries.
children who use baby bottle for longer period with liquid like milk, juice except water are mostly affected.
Causes of nursing bottle caries
• It caused due to long term exposure of fluid like milk, juice, syrup.
• Degeneration of tooth enamel due to excessive exposure of sugar or sweetened liquid.
• Naturally present bacteria in mouth break down sugar and produces acid which attack tooth. Mainly affect first erupted tooth in oral cavity that is deciduous upper incisors and molars.
Symptoms of nursing bottle caries
• White spots on tooth surface
• Tooth cavity and holes in the tooth
• Toothache
• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Fever caused by gum or tooth infection
Treatment of nursing bottle caries
• Excavate the caries and restoration of tooth
• Indirect pulp capping and pulp therapy procedures
• Proper brushing of teeth, taking care of gums
• If chalky white appearance is seen then apply fluoride
• Dental filling or stainless steel crown to protect tooth
• If abcess is present it can be treated through drainage
• Xrays are adviced to assess the condition of tooth
• If decay is deep or reaches to pulp chamber then pulp therapy or extraction is considered.
Prevention of nursing bottle caries
• Gently wiping teeth or gums of child with wet cotton or cloth after every bottle feed which can remove excess sugar and any dental plaque.
• Begin to brush your child’s teeth after teeth start to erupt in mouth
• Start adding pea sized fluoride toothpaste on toothbrush after all teeth erupted and start oral care routine.
• Floss your child’s teeth.
• Avoid leaving bottle of sweetened liquid in child’s mouth after feeding.
• Encourage child drink juice with from cup at six months old.
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