Nursing Bottle Caries (most recently called Early Childhood Caries--ECC)

Is characterized by children, generally under the age of 3 who are put to bed with a baby bottle filled, usually with fruit juice or sweetened milk. The pattern is severe decay of the front top teeth. No mom does this on purpose to her child, but it is quite common because mom simply doesn't know that the sugar in the bottle can do this.

Thumb (digit) Habits

Why do babies suck their thumbs?

Babies have a natural urge to suck, which usually decreases after the age of 6 months. But many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumb-sucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored.

Does thumb-sucking cause any problems?

Prolonged thumb-sucking may cause a child to develop dental problems, A child may also develop speech problems, including mispronouncing Ts and Ds, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking.