What dental condition results from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids in infants?

The condition that results from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids in infants is commonly referred to as baby bottle caries. This dental problem arises when infants are frequently allowed to fall asleep with bottles containing milk, juice, or other sugary liquids. The sugars in these liquids foster the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that can lead to the demineralization of tooth enamel and subsequently, cavities.

Baby bottle caries particularly affects the primary teeth, and the pattern of decay often appears on the anterior teeth (the front teeth), where the sugary liquid pools when the infant is lying down. This condition highlights the importance of proper feeding practices and dental hygiene from an early age to prevent decay and promote healthy dental development in children.

Other choices, such as pediatric periodontal disease and comprehensive tooth decay, refer to different and broader categories of dental issues, while childhood caries, although somewhat related, refers more generally to cavities that can occur in children of all ages, not exclusively as a result of baby bottle usage. Therefore, baby bottle caries is the most accurate term for the specific condition caused by sugary liquids in an infant’s bottle.