When a child cries, it's natural to want to comfort the child and stop their crying. Some parents try to soothe their children by giving them a bottle or a pacifier dipped in a sweet liquid. The child may stop crying, however this practice often leads to future dental problems.
Children can develop a dental problem called baby bottle tooth decay.
This is caused by the sugar in liquids in bottles clinging to the teeth for long periods while the bacteria in the mouth uses this sugar to attack the teeth. The first signs of caries may be dull white spots or lines on the teeth. Even though the baby teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth, it is still important to look after the baby teeth to ensure healthy gums and teeth and the proper positioning of the permanent teeth. To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, one should not allow the child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice, breast milk or any other sweetened liquid. After feedings, wipe the baby's gums with a clean damp cloth or gauze pad.