the good news is that a few simple steps can help stave off baby bottle tooth decay. they include implementing good oral hygiene at an early age. here's how: wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding. begin brushing your child's teeth without toothpaste when his or her first tooth comes in. clean and massage gums in areas without teeth. floss once all the baby teeth have come in. make sure your child is getting enough fluoride which helps reduce cavities. if your local water supply does not contain fluoride ask your dentist or doctor how your child should get it. schedule regular dental visits by your child's first birthday. dentists also offer special sealant coatings which can help prevent tooth decay in children. these are expensive however. other techniques to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay include: not filling bottles with sugar water and soft drinks. bottles are for milk water formula and special electrolyte-containing solutions when the child has diarrhea. juices mixed half and half with water to avoid empty calories are a way to interest your child in a "sippy cup. " soft drinks are not recommended for children as they have no nutritional value. never allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. never giving your child a pacifier dipped in anything sweet. decreasing your child's sugar intake especially between meals. it's never too late to break bad habits. if your child drinks sweetened liquids from the bottle and/or sleeps with a bottle break the habit now and reduce the risk of baby bottle tooth decay by: gradually diluting the bottle contents with water over two to three weeks. once that period is over fill the bottle with water. remember that healthy baby teeth will lead to healthy permanent teeth.
how do i prevent baby bottle tooth decay?