Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can result when a baby drinks from a bottle throughout the day, falls asleep with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juice or other sweetened drink, or sleeps for long periods of time at the breast. Even breast milk and formula contain sugar.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay:

• Put your baby to bed without a bottle (or fill the bottle with plain water).
  
  
• Don't let your baby sleep all night at the breast.
  
  
• Help your baby learn to drink juice from an infant feeding cup starting at about 6 months.
  
  
• Avoid giving your baby soda and other sweet drinks
  and don't let your baby drink from a bottle all day.
  
  
• Wean your baby from the bottle by the first birthday.
  
  
• Clean your baby's teeth and gums with a clean cloth or a small, soft toothbrush before bedtime.
  
  
• Check with your health care provider or dentist to make sure your baby is getting enough fluoride each day. Fluoride protects teeth from decay.

E-Mail: wic@dhmh.state.md.us