How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay and early childhood cavities?
It is important to avoid liquids other than water in your child’s bottle at nigh time. Liquids such as juice, milk, sports drinks, and carbonated beverages can cause teeth to breakdown due to the sugar acidity. On demand nighttime breastfeeding increases your child’s risk for decay due to the teeth being exposed to a high sugar environment for long durations (i.e. sleeping). It is also important to begin brushing and flossing your child’s teeth at the appropriate time. Finally, take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by age one.