Early Childhood Caries Published Feb. 10, 2009 By Capt Maria Janjua 509th Medical Operations Squadron WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- (Editors note: The author is a Doctor of Dental Medicine) Can infants or toddlers get tooth decay? The answer is yes. Any tooth that has erupted into the mouth is susceptible. How can tooth decay occur in a child? Decay occurs when any sweetened foods or drinks are given and are left on teeth for long periods of time. Drinks such as formula, milk and juice are examples of liquids containing sugar. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time a child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay. Also, children sleeping with a bottle during naps or at night can harm the child's teeth. So why worry about a child's baby teeth? Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a nice smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded. How can parents prevent early childhood caries? After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean towel or gauze. Begin brushing the child's teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless. Never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. Start dental visits by the child's first birthday, checking with insurance companies for plan coverage. Make visits regularly. If parents think their child has dental problems, they should take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. Starting proper oral hygiene early will benefit children for the rest of their life.