---
title: "What Is Early childhood caries? Dental Glossary"
description: "Early childhood caries is tooth decay in babies and toddlers. It is sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, and it often starts in the front teeth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Early childhood caries

Early childhood caries is tooth decay in babies and toddlers. It is sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, and it often starts in the front teeth.

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay, or early childhood caries. NIDCR says this severe decay starts in the baby's front teeth and extends to the back teeth.

One common cause is frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby's teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Decay can also occur when a baby is put to bed with a bottle. It most often occurs in the upper front teeth.

Baby teeth matter. Baby teeth lost to cavities can threaten the health of a child's permanent teeth. Try to place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Our office describes care for children on its page for [children's dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids). See also [primary teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth).

[Town Center Dental can helpDentistry for Kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids)

## Related terms

-   [Primary teeth (baby teeth)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth)
-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)
-   [Fluoride varnish](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-varnish)
-   [Dental home](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-home)
-   [Tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Tooth Decay with Baby Bottles](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth-decay-with-baby-bottles)
2.  [NIDCR: Tooth Decay](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)