1. Nursing Bottle Caries:

What is bottle mouth decay caused by? 

Baby bottle tooth decay happens when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars (like milk, formula, and fruit juice) cling to an infant's teeth for a long time. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and make acids that attack the teeth.                             

Treatment for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Treatment varies based on your child's age and the severity of the condition. At the earliest signs of a problem, we can work together to formulate an approach to management and treatment. White spots on a tooth's surface are early symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay, at this stage; fluoride treatment or placing fluoride varnish can be used to remineralize all of the teeth. This treatment actually reverses decay in its earliest stages by helping to rebuild the surface enamel. At this stage, you can also make changes to your baby's diet to keep decay from progressing. These changes could include: Limiting acidic foods, Limiting juices, especially citrus juices. Substituting water for juice, formula or milk in your child's bottle. These changes should always be made in coordination with your child's paediatrician and/or paediatric dentist. Depending on your child's age, overall health and nutritional needs, some dietary changes could be undesirable.If decay is spotted at later stages, fluoride treatments will no longer be sufficient.

Symptoms of more severe decay include:

  • Brown or black spots on the teeth
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Fever, swelling or irritability, which could indicate infection
  • Bad breath 

If your child shows any of these symptoms, it's imperative to see a dentist as soon as possible. If decay spreads, your child could face extensive treatments and even tooth loss. Treatment for baby bottle tooth decay is much the same as it is for adult tooth decay. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry states that stainless steel crowns are often used because they are durable and less likely to require follow-up treatments or replacement. Your dentist might suggest sedation or even general anaesthesia for extensive restoration work, depending upon your child's age and maturity level. In very severe cases, teeth might even need to be extracted. This is more likely to be necessary if the tooth is infected or has decayed so extensively that it cannot be restored.

2. Fluoride Treatment:

Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth's surface, by a dentist, dental hygienist or other health care professional, as a type of topical fluoride therapy.Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

What is a topical fluoride treatment?

A topical fluoride treatment is applied at the dentist office after your child has received a professional cleaning. Usually, a fluoride gel or foam is placed in mouth shaped trays(affectionately known as duck trays) and inserted into the child's mouth for her teeth to “soak” in for a few minutes. 

How long does a fluoride treatment last?  

The fluoride varnish sticks to the teeth until it is brushed away after 4-6 hours; however, the benefits of the fluoride will last for several months.Fluoride varnish needs to be reapplied every three to four months for best results. 

3. Pit and Fissure Sealants

Dental sealants (also termed pit and fissure sealants, or simply fissure sealants) are a dental treatment intended to prevent tooth decay. Teeth have recesses on their biting surfaces; the back teeth have fissures (grooves) and some front teeth have cingulum pits. Pits and Fissures. Pits and fissures are the deep grooves that make up the chewing surfaces of your teeth.These grooves are found on both your premolars and molars, though a pit and fissure cavity is usually deeper on the molars than on the premolars.