What is nursing bottle caries?
Nursing bottle caries is an early childhood tooth decay that is commonly seen in children aged 0–5 years, starting in the upper front teeth and progressing rapidly.

Most common causes:

• Night-time bottle feeding with milk, fruit juice, or sugary formula
• Frequent and prolonged bottle use
• Poor oral hygiene

How to recognize nursing bottle caries? What are the symptoms?

• It begins with matte white spots on the upper front teeth.
• Over time, brown–black cavities develop.
• Pain and sensitivity occur in the child.
• If left untreated, tooth fractures and tooth loss may occur.

How can nursing bottle caries be prevented?

• The bottle should be discontinued before the baby turns 1 year old.
• Teeth should be cleaned before bedtime, and only water should be given if needed.
• A pediatric dentist (pedodontist) check-up should start as soon as the first primary tooth erupts.

What treatments can be applied to primary teeth?

Primary teeth can be treated just like permanent teeth. Main treatments include:

• Fillings (composite/compomer fillings)
• Root canal treatment for primary teeth
• Dental scaling
• Crown treatments
• Tooth extraction when necessary

Orthodontic treatment in children (early intervention)

Early orthodontic treatment can also be applied to primary teeth. The goals are:

• Guiding jaw development
• Preventing future orthodontic problems
• Correcting habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use

The first orthodontic check-up age is 6–7 years. However, if there is a noticeable problem, it may start earlier.

What is a space maintainer? When is it used?

A space maintainer is a fixed or removable appliance used to preserve the space of prematurely lost primary teeth.

What does it do?

• Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap
• Helps permanent teeth erupt properly
• Supports jaw development

When is it used?

• If a primary tooth is extracted due to decay, trauma, or infection
• If there is a long time before the permanent tooth erupts
• Especially when primary molars are lost early

What is a fissure sealant?

A fissure sealant is a preventive treatment used in children to prevent tooth decay.

• Applied into the deep grooves of molars
• Smooths the tooth surface and prevents bacteria and food accumulation
• No anesthesia is needed; quick and painless application

When is it applied?

• First permanent molars erupting at age 6
• Second permanent molars erupting at age 12
• Can also be applied to primary molars if needed

What is stainless steel crown in children?

It is a special crown used when there is severe decay or loss of tooth structure in primary teeth.

Advantages:

• Fully covers and protects the tooth
• Completed in a single session
• Durable and long-lasting
• Prevents recurrence of decay

Can children have zirconium crowns?

Yes, zirconium crowns can be applied in children, especially for aesthetic restoration of front teeth.

• Preferred after nursing bottle caries for aesthetic purposes
• Used in cases of congenital defects or discoloration
• A durable, aesthetic, and biocompatible solution
• As strong as stainless steel but closest to natural tooth appearance

Primary teeth should not be neglected with the idea that they will “fall out anyway.”
If untreated, nursing bottle caries can also threaten the health of permanent teeth.

Regular pediatric dental check-ups, preventive treatments (fissure sealants, fluoride, space maintainers), and when necessary aesthetic–functional treatments (crowns, zirconium restorations) help protect both oral health and self-confidence in children.