Bottlefeeding and tooth decay

"Nursing bottle decay" is a commonly used term for a condition of rapid widespread decay in an infant's teeth. It is associated with the use of a liquid containing sugars to put the infant to bed. The liquids that cause this destructive condition are cordials, soft drink, VitaminC supplements, sweetened fruit juice and even plain milk.

The liquid pools in the mouth as the infant falls asleep. The saliva flow slows and no longer washes the mouth. The teeth are then unprotected from attack as the sugar feeds bacteria which produce acid on the teeth.

The worst, most rapid damage is caused by cane sugar ( sucrose ) in the liquid. Bacteria digest the sucrose within 30 minutes and start rpoducing acid waste product onto the teeth. However, even lactose in milk can  cause this condition because the milk pools in the mouth for hours allowing it to be fermented by lactobacillus in the mouth.

What then of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is of course a natural process and tooth decay is not a natural result of breastfeeding. Even though breastmilk contains lactose, the milk is sucked to the back of the mouth and swallowed and the swallowing action helps to stimulate saliva and cleanse the mouth.

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