Tooth decay - early childhood Tooth decay in early childhood
occurs most often in the upper and lower front teeth (incisors)
and can be a serious problem. Bottle mouth; Bottle carries; Baby
bottle tooth decay; Early childhood caries (ECC) Your child
needs strong, healthy baby teeth. These teeth help your child
chew food, speak, and have enough space in his or her jaw for
the adult teeth to grow in straight. Tooth decay can happen when
your child's teeth come in contact with too much sugar. This
sugar helps bacteria grow. Acids that the bacteria make cause
the teeth to decay. Many of the liquids that your child drinks
contain sugar, including milk, formula, and fruit juices. Eating
snacks with sugar also places more sugar on your child's teeth.
How often your child drinks liquids containing sugar, and how
long the sugar stays in the mouth are also important. When
children sleep or walk around with a bottle or sippy cup in
their mouth, sugar coats their teeth for longer periods of time,
causing teeth to decay m