What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?

Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk, or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.

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Some Tips To Avoid Early Childhood Tooth Decay

• Put your child to bed with a bottle of plain water, not milk or juice.

• Stop nursing when your child is asleep or has stopped sucking on the bottle.

• Try not to let your child walk around using a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier.

• Start to teach your child to drink from a cup at about six months of age. Plan to stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months at the latest.

• Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar.