Included in these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids stay around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding bacteria that cause plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the child's teeth and tooth decay can occur. This is the phenomenon known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to gather around the child's teeth for an extended period of time.
Baby teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the infant's mouth.
After each feeding wipe the child's teeth and gums with a damp washcloth to remove plaque. Start brushing your infant's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Begin flossing your child's teeth when all primary teeth have appeared. Do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweetened liquid. If your child refuses to fall asleep without a bottle, simply fill it with water.