Early Childhood Cavities

• Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. When your baby is asleep, the liquids that contain sugar stay around the teeth and can cause decay. Even breast milk and formula contain sugar.
• Prolonged nursing with mother or allowing your baby to fall asleep while nursing.
• Allowing your infant to walk around with a bottle.

Put your child to bed without a bottle ...

Your child can fall asleep without a bottle! Here are five tips to try:

• Let your child take a "security" blanket, teddy bear, doll, or favorite toy to bed.
• Quietly sing or play restful music.
• Hold or rock your child.
• Give your child a back rub to help him or her to relax.
• Read or tell your child a story.

• Tooth loss
• Ear and speech problems
• Crooked permanent teeth
• Severe pain
• Poor self-image
• Tooth decay

• Get into the habit of putting your baby to bed without a bottle.
• Never put the baby to bed with a bottle filled with formula, milk, juice, sugar water, or soda pop. If your baby must have a bottle to go to sleep, fill it with water.
• Do not let your infant walk around with a bottle.
• Start teaching your infant to use a cup between 6-12 months. Trade your baby's bottle for a training cup by age one.
• Check with your doctor or dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride each day.

Your child's healthy teeth and brilliant smile depend on you!

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.