(HealthDay News) — If your little one gets a lot of sweetened liquids — including juice, formula and even some brands of milk — the sugars from these liquids can cling to the teeth and cause “baby bottle” tooth decay.
The American Dental Association offers these preventive suggestions:
- Wipe baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after a feeding.
- As soon as the first tooth breaks through, start brushing baby’s teeth. Begin flossing when baby has all of his or her teeth.
- Don’t let your child take a bottle of juice, milk, formula or anything sweet to bed.
- Don’t give your baby a bottle with soda or sugar water.
- Talk to your dentist about ways to give your child fluoride if it isn’t in your local water supply.
- Schedule regular dental visits for your child, starting at the first birthday.