| = | Brown teeth with fragmented edges |
| = | Upper front teeth that break easily |
Children who have erupted teeth or are past the age to be weaned are highly
susceptible to rotted front teeth when being put to bed with a bottle containing
milk, juice or other sugar-containing liquids. There is decreased salivary flow
during sleep and clearance of the liquid from the teeth is slowed.
The liquid pools around the upper front baby teeth and creates an excellent
environment to promote the growth of decay-causing bacteria. Removing the
bottle before the first tooth appears and wiping the child's gums and teeth with
a soft cloth before being put to bed can help prevent decay.