Monday, June 12, 2006
When liquid from a baby bottle builds up in the mouth, the usual or added sugars found in the liquid are distorted to acid by germs in the mouth. This acid then starts to melt the teeth and cause decay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics makes the following suggestions:
- Never put a child to bed with a bottle. By 7 or 8 months of age, most children no longer need feedings during the night.
- Give a baby a bottle only during meals. Do not use the bottle as a pacifier.
- Teach a child to drink from a cup as soon as possible, usually by 1 year old. Drinking from a cup does not cause the liquid to collect around the teeth.
- Keep a baby's mouth clean. After feedings, gently brush your baby's gums and any teeth with a soft infant toothbrush.
- Use water and a soft child-sized toothbrush for daily cleaning once your child has 7 to 8 teeth.
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