- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
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Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Dental fillings: Should metal fillings be replaced with composite?
- OraVerse: Reversing dental numbness
Prevention (2)
- Electric toothbrush: Better than a regular toothbrush?
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
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Question
Baby bottle tooth decay: Can bottle feeding my baby cause cavities?
I'm concerned about feeding my baby with a bottle. Does it damage the teeth?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
A baby bottle itself doesn't damage teeth, but what you put in the bottle can cause dental cavities — decayed areas of the teeth that develop tiny openings or holes.
This condition, known as baby bottle tooth decay, occurs when children are given bottles or sippy cups filled with milk, formula, juice or other sugar-containing liquids at bedtime.
When the beverage remains on your child's teeth for long periods of time, it can cause erosion from the bacteria in the mouth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids produced by bacteria attack the teeth. After many attacks, the teeth can decay. If left untreated, baby bottle tooth decay can cause inflammation, infection, severe pain and tooth loss.
Other factors that contribute to baby bottle tooth decay include:
- Prolonged or frequent feedings with sugar-containing beverages
- Eating sugary snacks
The good news is that you can prevent baby bottle tooth decay and protect your child's oral health:
- Clean your child's teeth with water and a soft brush after each feeding. Wipe gums where teeth haven't erupted with a gauze pad.
- Don't put your child down to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing milk, formula, juice or other sugar-containing liquids.
- Use a clean pacifier between feedings or at night if your child needs comfort. Ask your child's doctor or dentist to recommend a safe and appropriate pacifier.
- Allow sugar-containing beverages at mealtimes only. Don't allow your child to drink juice or other sugar-containing beverages between meals. Also, avoid sugary snacks, such as candy or cookies, and offer fresh fruits or vegetables instead.
- Give your child tap water to drink. A drink of water after meals, snacks and sugary beverages immediately rinses the mouth and teeth. Also, most local water supplies contain fluoride, a substance that protects teeth from decay. If you're unsure how much fluoride your child needs or gets, talk to your child's doctor or dentist.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional tooth cleanings and regular oral exams for your child after age 1. Regular visits can help your dentist prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule that meets your child's needs.
Dental fillings: Should metal fillings be replaced with composite?
- Early childhood tooth decay (baby bottle tooth decay). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/decay_childhood_faq.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Wyllie R. Dental caries. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119920650-3/0/1608/770.html?tocnode=54481078&fromURL=770.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50311-X_6341. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 24, 2009.
