BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY LEADING CAUSE OF TOOTH LOSS IN CHILDREN

PARSIPPANY, NJ (October 2001) – Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) - a serious dental condition that strikes children between the ages of one and four - is the subject of a new public-awareness campaign. The campaign, which is sponsored by Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental) and is geared toward parents, sets forth the facts of this preventable condition that, when left unchecked, can change children's sleeping and eating habits and may lead to more serious conditions that affect children's growth. BBTD is caused by prolonged exposure to fluids such as milk, formula and juice, especially when used in the bedtime or naptime bottle. While children are sleeping, the sugary fluids tend to pool around the teeth and become a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria produce acid that attacks tooth enamel and, after repeated attacks, can cause decay. Exposure over a long time can cause severe toothaches and eventually lead to abscessed teeth or tooth loss.Delta Dental's education program offers parents advice for preventing BBTD, such as:

• Start offering children fluids in a cup at six months and have babies off bottles at the age of one year.
• Avoid using bottles to help children fall asleep. If a bottle is needed at bedtime, fill it with water rather than sugary liquids.
• Even before the first tooth appears, clean the baby's gum and tooth area with a soft washcloth at least once a day.
• Check baby's mouth for any early signs of tooth decay, such as white streaks on the upper four front teeth near the gum line.
• Schedule a child's first dental appointment six months after the first tooth erupts, but no later than the child's first birthday.

"Our goal is to highlight the fact that baby, or primary, teeth are very important for a child," said Dr. Scott Navarro, Dental Director, Delta Dental. "Children need healthy teeth for chewing, speaking clearly, developing self-esteem, and spacing for their permanent teeth. We want to let parents know that with a little effort they can help ensure their child will have a happy, healthy smile."

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s leading and largest dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.