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Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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   Cancer (and Oral Care)  
   Canker and Cold Sores  
   Careers in Dentistry  
   >>> Cavities and Tooth Decay   Related articles:
  • What is Tooth Decay?
  • Highly Preventable Oral Disease Affects Millions

    • >> What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
  • What Foods Cause Tooth Decay in Children?
  • What is Fluoride?
  • What is Amalgam?
  • Schools’ Long-term Soda Deals Kick Kids in the Teeth
  • Soda Attack: Non-colas, Iced Tea Hurt Hard Enamel
  • Living in a Sugar Culture
  • Coffee and Doughnuts: A Disastrous Combo for Teeth?
  • Special Dental Patients Require Special Care
  • Consume Pickles, Lemons and Soda in Moderation
  • Cavity Prevention Tips for Preschoolers
  • Protect Your Child's Teeth From Harm On Halloween
  • Is My Child at Risk for Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
  • Sip Wine to Save Your Teeth
  • Saved by a Straw? Sipping Soda Reduces Decay Risk
  • Gum-Chewers Have Reason to Smile About Xylitol
  • Diet Soda Drinkers, Beware!
    •  
       Children's Oral Health  
       Choosing a Dentist  
       Cosmetic Dentistry  
       Crowns  

    What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

    Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria in plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid produced by these bacteria attack the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin.

     

    The condition also is associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the mouth while the infant is sleeping increase the chances of cavities.

     

    Updated: January 2007

     
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.