Bottlemouth syndrome is a form of tooth decay that affects babies and young children. It is caused by prolonged drinking of sugary liquids from a bottle. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children are at greater risk of bottlemouth if they are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
The decay is most common in the upper front teeth, and may ultimately require oral surgery. The Academy recommends giving a child plenty of water after he or she drinks milk or juice. Caregivers also should watch for symptoms of bottlemouth syndrome, such as:
- Red gums.
- Irritated mouth.
- Teeth that look abnormal.