If your dentist recommends it, a small droplet of toothpaste may be used to provide adequate fluoride therapy. As a parent, look for small white or brown spots on your baby's teeth, which may indicate decay. As a dentist, I strongly recommend ending sucking via bottle or breast by 1 year of age. This will help your baby avoid teeth misalignment and baby bottle tooth decay. Teach your child to brush at night prior to going to sleep.
Teeth are more susceptible to cavities while sleeping due to reduced salivary flow.
Many parents unwittingly subject their children to long periods of sugar induced tooth decay by feeding their baby sugar in baby formula, juice, and even breastmilk. Babies who sleep with a baby bottle filled with any sugary drink or who breast feed for long periods as they sleep are highly susceptible to tooth decay. The dentist has preventive measures such as fluoride treatments which can help your baby develop healthy dentition. Typically, the 1st visit should be around ages 18-24 months. The normal time for the first tooth to come in is between 6-12 months.