Bottle rot is tooth decay in babies and young children that are constantly using a bottle to drink sugary drinks from.
The sugars in the liquid in the bottle that the baby or toddler is drinking feed bacteria that produce acids and cause tooth decay.
Bottle rot in babies and toddlers can be caused by prolonged bottle feeding such as falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth, poor oral hygiene and frequent snacking on foods or drinks can lead to tooth decay in babies and toddlers.
Bottle rot is most common in the babies or toddlers upper front teeth, because that is where the milk residue gathers when the baby or toddler falls asleep.
Just like most kids, the bacteria in your babies and toddlers mouth loves sugar.
When a baby's teeth come into frequent contact with too much sugar through food or liquids, the bacteria feeds on it and changes the sugar into acid.
To avoid and prevent bottle rot.
Clean your child's teeth and gums regularly.
Eliminate juice and other sweet drinks from bottle use.
Limit the amount of time your child spends drinking milk or formula from a bottle.