Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

We know you want to protect your precious little ones, but sometimes what you don’t know can create problems you never would have intended.

Especially, when something as simple as giving your baby a kiss or a bottle can cause damage to their teeth.

Those little baby teeth are important and need to be protected so your child can have a good start toward a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Here is what you need to know:

• The bacteria in your mouth are contagious and it is important to try not to share saliva. That means no sharing spoons or licking pacifiers clean, as well as keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.
• After feedings, wipe your little one’s mouth clean with a damp cloth.
• Use bottles only for formula or breast milk.  Avoid giving any sugary liquids.
• Do not dip pacifiers in honey, syrup, or anything sweet.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.
• Encourage them to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
• From the time their teeth come in until their 3rd birthday, brush their teeth with a child’s toothbrush and a grain of rice sized amount of fluoride tooth paste.
• After age three you can increase the toothpaste to a pea sized amount.

We hope these tips help you feel more confident in protecting your baby’s teeth and getting them off to a healthy start.