Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a certain kind of tooth decay that occurs in babies and young children.  It is caused by the sugars contained in breast milk, formula, cow's milk, fruit juice, Kool-AidŽ and soda pop.

When these drinks stay on the teeth for long periods of time, the sugar starts to rot the teeth and even turn them black.

This happens most often when babies:

bulletare allowed to nurse from the breast or suck from a bottle while they are sleeping, or
bulletcarry a bottle or sippy cup around with them and sip from it throughout the day

Importance of baby teeth.
It is important to care for your baby's teeth, because they help your little one with:
bulletgood speaking
bulletgood eating habits, and
bulletreserving space for permanent teeth

Keeping your child's teeth healthy
bulletClean them at least once a day
bulletHave your baby's first dental visit no later than one year of age.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle.  If your baby cries for the bottle because he/she has gotten used to it, fill it with plain water.  Water does not harm the teeth.  Never prop a bottle while your baby is sleeping.

Don't allow your baby to walk around with a bottle or sippy cup throughout the day.  Try a pacifier instead.

At mealtime, don't share your fork or spoon with your baby.  This passes bacteria from your mouth to your baby's mouth and can cause tooth decay in your baby.

Wean your baby from a bottle to a cup (not a sippy cup) by 10-12 months old:

bulletDrinking from a cup cuts down the amount of time that juice or milk is in contact with the teeth.  Therefore, you are cutting down on the chances of tooth decay.
bulletYou may need to help your baby hold the cup.

Clean your baby's mouth at least once a day:

bulletUse a wet washcloth (no toothpaste until age two).
bulletWash inside the lips, cheeks, and all around the tongue, the roof of the mouth and upper and lower gums.

Starting at 18 months, have your child use a toothbrush twice a day to help keep his/her teeth clean.  Your child will need help with this.  Use only water until age two.

Make sure your baby gets enough fluoride from fluoride drops or fluoridated water.  First ask your doctor or nurse about this.

Set a good example.  Brush and floss your own teeth every day and visit a dentist every 6 months.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care.  Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.