Dentist Q&A: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay & Infant Caries—Causes, Prevention, Treatment

As a dentist and a parent, I often get asked about baby bottle tooth decay—also known as “baby bottle rot”, infant caries, infant cavities, nursing caries, baby bottle caries, and early childhood caries (ECC). This potentially painful and traumatizing condition is a common yet preventable problem where cavities develop in babies and toddlers, often due to prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like milk, juice, or formula.

Learn how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay and infant caries with expert advice from a dentist. Get tips on early signs, causes, treatment, and long-term impact.

Why Use a Pacifier?

New parents often wonder whether to introduce a pacifier. Most babies have a strong sucking reflex, and pacifiers provide a safe way to satisfy it. Beyond soothing, pacifiers offer additional benefits: Concerns include habit formation, increased risk of ear infections, and potential dentaleffects. These risks can be minimized by limiting pacifier use. Certain designs, such […]

History Of Pacifiers: Why Babies Need Pacifiers

The use of pacifiers dates back over 3,000 years in Italy and Cyprus. Early versions were clay objects shaped like animals, often filled with honey or sugar—an idea today’s dentists would strongly discourage. In medieval times, pacifiers were described as rags or linen stuffed with hard foods such as meat or sugar, tightly compacted into […]