One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This
condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids
that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula,
fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can
cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth
giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain
only water. If your child won’t fall asleep without the bottle and its usual
beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over a period of two
to three weeks.
After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or
gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the
child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor.
Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.

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