A lot of new parents, and many experienced ones as well, send their infant to bed with a bottle of juice or milk to help ease the way to sleep. But this seemingly innocent act sets up the child for tooth decay, possible tooth loss and even infections serious enough to warrant hospitalization. Dr. Edward Ginsberg says the sweet liquids encourage the growth of bacteria that decay the teeth. Baby teeth fall out eventually. Dr. Ginsberg replies this way.
Primary teeth hold the space for permanent teeth.
Healthy baby teeth or primary teeth will lead to healthy permanent teeth. If the teeth are allowed to decay, that can lead to infection which then can subsequently lead to destruction and damage to the permanent teeth that begin to form at birth. Infants should be seen by a dentist at age six months and one year to help spot problems that can lead to poor nutrition.