Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby Bottle Syndrome is defined as severe decay in the primary dentition* involving multiple teeth in infants and children. Perinatal preventive and educational programmes offered by your dentist can help you understand and prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome in your children. 
* The arrangement, development or condition of teeth in a person.

As the name suggests, the development of Baby Bottle Syndrome is primarily associated with babies sleeping with a baby bottle containing milk or other sweet drinks. Lack of proper mouth cleaning and inappropriate eating habits are other common contributing factors.

Simple steps to keep your baby's mouth healthy 

• Take good care of your own teeth first to prevent the spread of cavity-causing germs to your baby.
• Hold your baby while feeding. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. Wipe your baby's gums with a clean washcloth after meals or as needed. This may also be comforting during teething. \
• Brush your baby's teeth as soon as they appear. Brush twice daily and preferably after food intake with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Help your baby build up good cleaning habits early.
• Train your baby to take sips from a cup instead of using a baby bottle as he/she reaches the age of one.
• Lift up your baby's lip and check his/her teeth regularly to look for discoloured (often turning brown or black) or chipped teeth, which are the early signs of tooth decay. With severely decayed teeth, infection and abscesses could set in. Tooth decay and gum infection may affect a child's eating habits and behaviour. When in doubt, seek advice from a dental professional.
• Bring your children for regular dental visits (at least twice a year) by the time they reach the age of one, before detrimental habits are formed.
• Help your children establish healthy eating habits. Schedule time for snacks and do not allow children to nibble or sip all day long.
• There are dental specialists trained in treating children – a paedodontist. Seek their advice when you need help.