The more often and longer the sugar stays in the mouth, the more often and longer the acids are produced and attack the teeth. Baby teeth also act as placeholders for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the other teeth may drift and invade the space where the adult tooth needs to come in. Without enough space to come in properly the adult teeth can become crooked or crowded. By the time the teeth are visible the decay may already have progressed too far.
Prevention is important and easy to do.
First, never let you baby or young child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sweetened liquid. Use a bottle filled with cool water or a pacifier instead. Next, wipe the baby s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. When teeth start to appear, gently brush them making sure the baby does not swallow the toothpaste. When all of the teeth have erupted, usually by 2, you can even start flossing.