Re: RAMPANT CARIES

A subtype of rampant caries is what is referred to as NURSING BOTTLE CARIE
Children’s teeth are at risk for Nursing Bottle Syndrome or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay if their teeth are exposed to any liquid containing sugar including milk, formula and juice for extended periods of time. This happens most often when babies fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth or a small amount of formula or breast milk remains in their mouth after falling asleep. It can also happen with pacifiers that have been dipped into sweet liquids such as honey or syrup.
What seems like harmless, healthy food can turn to destructive acid by the oral bacteria in the child’s mouth and cause cavities (tooth decay). The most common teeth to be affected are the upper anterior (front teeth) since they are some of the first teeth to erupt and therefore have longer exposure to the acid from the sugar.
* Parents should use damp gauze to wipe a sleeping child’s teeth and gums and brush your baby’s teeth daily from the time the first tooth erupts. This will help to remove the harmful bacteria which changes the sugars to acid.
* Use the bottle for nutrition only and not as a habit. Do not allow a child to fall asleep with milk, breast milk or formula in their mouths.
* Give child water when they are thirsty.
* Wean baby from the bottle to a cup by the time they are 1 year old. dilute or water down the liquids gradually over time until there is only water given in the bottle.
* check teeth regularly from the time the first tooth erupts. This brief look can be combined with the parent’s check-up appointment.
Parents need to make a habit of examining their child’s teeth on a regular basis because, by the time it becomes really obvious, it might be to late. Look for spots that do not brush off along the gum line of the front teeth. Also pay attention to any signs of sensitivity, discomfort or pain when the child eats food that is cold or sweet. Extreme situations may involve the pulp (nerve or the live portion) of the tooth causing pain. The child may need to undergo a special treatment to remove the pulp of the tooth, crowns may be needed to replace the decayed tooth structure or extraction (removal) of the front teeth may be necessary. This may affect the eruption of the permanent teeth and may also affect self-esteem and speech patterns.