Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

Also known as “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”

Early Childhood Caries is a serious dental condition that can lead to severe damage of your child’s teeth—but the good news is, it’s completely preventable.

What Causes Early Childhood Caries?

Several everyday habits can unknowingly lead to ECC:

Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle
When a baby sleeps with a bottle the sugary liquids inside — such as milk, formula or juice — stay on the teeth for hours, feeding bacteria that cause decay. Even breast milk contains natural sugars that can contribute to the formation of cavities.
Extended or frequent nursing, especially during sleep
Breastfeeding for prolonged periods, especially allowing the baby to fall asleep while nursing, can also lead to ECC.
Allowing your child to walk around with a bottle
Frequent sipping keeps sugar on the teeth throughout the day, increasing the risk of decay.

Helping Your Child Sleep Without a Bottle

Yes, it’s possible! Your baby can learn to fall asleep without needing a bottle. Try these gentle alternatives:

Offer a soft blanket, stuffed animal or their favorite bedtime toy.
Sing a lullaby or play calm, soothing music.
Rock or cuddle your baby as part of a relaxing bedtime routine.
Gently rub your baby’s back to help them settle.

Read a story or tell a quiet bedtime tale.

What Are the Effects of Early Childhood Caries?

If left untreated, ECC can have serious and lasting consequences:

Tooth loss
Speech and hearing problems
Misaligned permanent teeth
Intense tooth pain
Low self-esteem
Severe, progressive decay

How Can You Prevent Early Childhood Caries?

Good habits start early! Here’s how you can protect your child’s smile:

Put your baby to bed without a bottle.
Never let your child sleep with a bottle filled with milk, juice, soda or any sugary drink. If they need a bottle to sleep, fill it with plain water only.
Don’t allow your child to carry a bottle around during the day.
Start training with a cup between 6 and 12 months of age. Ideally, transition completely from bottle to cup by their first birthday.

Talk to your pediatrician or dentist about fluoride. Make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride to help protect their teeth from decay.

Healthy Teeth Start With You

Your child’s bright smile and healthy teeth depend on the habits you build together, starting from the very beginning. With a few simple changes you can help prevent cavities and set your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles.

Source: https://www.colgate.com.gr/oral–health/cavities/early–childhood–cavities

Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

What Causes Early Childhood Caries?

What Are the Effects of Early Childhood Caries?

How Can You Prevent Early Childhood Caries?

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