Baby bottle tooth decay

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:

•  Clean your baby’s teeth and gums as we discussed previously after each feeding.
• Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.
• If you must give your baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, make sure it contains only water. And never dip a pacifier into sugar or honey.
• Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.
• If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.
• Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you suspect your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.