Health Tip: Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Most often affecting the upper front teeth

Related Encyclopedia • Acne • Alagille Syndrome • Appendicitis • Asthma in Children More... Related Animations • Dental Cavities More... Related Healthscout Videos Coming Around: Coma Breakthroughs Baby Steps: Fertility Findings Saving Infants from Killer Bacteria: NEC The New Tooth Fairy: Banking Dental Stem Cells More... Related Drug Information • Adderal XR • Concerta • Strattera More... Related News Articles • Best Friend Benefits Child's Mind, Body, Study Finds • Kindergartners Who Can Pay Attention May Reap Benefits Later • Most Teens Who Self-Harm Are Not Evaluated for Mental Health in ER • HIV Severity, Treatment Unrelated to Kids' Mental Woes: Study More...

(HealthDay News) -- If your little one gets a lot of sweetened liquids -- including juice, formula and even some brands of milk -- the sugars from these liquids can cling to the teeth and cause "baby bottle" tooth decay.

Text Continues Below

---

The American Dental Association offers these preventive suggestions:

• Wipe baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after a feeding.
• As soon as the first tooth breaks through, start brushing baby's teeth. Begin flossing when baby has all of his or her teeth.
• Don't let your child take a bottle of juice, milk, formula or anything sweet to bed.
• Don't give your baby a bottle with soda or sugar water.
• Talk to your dentist about ways to give your child fluoride if it isn't in your local water supply.
• Schedule regular dental visits for your child, starting at the first birthday.

-- Diana Kohnle