Early Childhood Caries

Definition: Early childhood caries is tooth decay in the baby teeth of infants and young children, often called baby bottle tooth decay when it is linked to frequent, prolonged exposure to milk, formula or juice.

Why it matters

Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help children chew and speak, so decay in them still matters. Avoiding bedtime bottles of anything other than water, cleaning gums and teeth early and a first dental visit by the first birthday help prevent it.