Often,
parents use bottles to calm a baby or help their toddler to fall asleep.
Unfortunately, once you start this habit, it is difficult to break. Baby
bottle decay occurs in young children when liquids high in sugar such
as milk, formula, fruit juices, and fruit drinks are given (usually around
bedtime) and left to sit in the mouth for extended periods of time, allowing
the bacterial plaque on the teeth to produce large amounts of acid which
literally dissolves the teeth. This decay; also called bottle rot or nursing
tooth decay will destroy newly formed teeth if left untreated causing
a multitude of problems with permanent teeth. As your child approaches
their first birthday and/or gets their first tooth, it is important to
wean them off of the bottle and have them drink from a cup. They should
avoid falling asleep with any liquids other than water. If at all possible,
you should stay away from nighttime breast-feeding once the first tooth
appears and remember to brush newly erupted teeth two times a day and
clean your baby’s mouth after feedings. Using a pacifier or giving baby
a blanket or stuffed animal to cuddle in the crib may help wean your child
off a bottle.
Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com
Often,
parents use bottles to calm a baby or help their toddler to fall asleep.
Unfortunately, once you start this habit, it is difficult to break. Baby
bottle decay occurs in young children when liquids high in sugar such
as milk, formula, fruit juices, and fruit drinks are given (usually around
bedtime) and left to sit in the mouth for extended periods of time, allowing
the bacterial plaque on the teeth to produce large amounts of acid which
literally dissolves the teeth. This decay; also called bottle rot or nursing
tooth decay will destroy newly formed teeth if left untreated causing
a multitude of problems with permanent teeth. As your child approaches
their first birthday and/or gets their first tooth, it is important to
wean them off of the bottle and have them drink from a cup. They should
avoid falling asleep with any liquids other than water. If at all possible,
you should stay away from nighttime breast-feeding once the first tooth
appears and remember to brush newly erupted teeth two times a day and
clean your baby’s mouth after feedings. Using a pacifier or giving baby
a blanket or stuffed animal to cuddle in the crib may help wean your child
off a bottle. 