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What is Baby Bottle Decay?

Baby bottle decay is a form of tooth decay that affects children under the age of three,  This pattern of tooth decay is caused by frequent exposure to sugary liquids, like milk, formula, or juice and is especially detected when babies are put to bed with a bottle. While it sounds concerning, the good news is that baby bottle decay is entirely preventable with a few simple habits and early dental care practices!

As parents, we all want the best for our babies, and that includes setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Following guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry*, Dr. Laura recommends transitioning your baby to drinking only water, after brushing before bed.  This transition starts to occur after the age of one and once your baby is no longer dependent on using a bottle to fall asleep.

The Post-Brushing Goal: Water-Only After Brushing

One of the best habits you can build for your baby’s long-term oral health is encouraging them to drink water after brushing. After a good brushing session, water is the ideal drink to keep their teeth fresh and clean. Any beverage, besides water, will leave sugar on your child’s teeth and encourage cavity formation. By making water the go-to drink after brushing, especially before bed, you’re helping your baby develop healthy habits that will benefit their smile for years to come!

Start Early: The Importance of Baby Teeth Care

Even though your baby’s first set of teeth (primary teeth) will eventually fall out, taking care of them is critical. Children are not done losing their baby teeth until the age of 12! So use these tips to help establish good hygiene practices at an early age.

Here’s how:

• Gum Care: Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp washcloth after feedings. This removes residual sugars and helps get them used to having their mouth cleaned.
  
  
• First Tooth: Once the first tooth emerges, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies. (See Dr. Laura’s favorite finger brush here!) Simply brush with water—no toothpaste is necessary at this stage. You can introduce fluoride toothpaste once they’re old enough (usually around age 2), but for now, water is sufficient.

Start Good Habits Early for Healthy Smiles Later

Caring for your baby’s teeth might seem overwhelming at times, but by starting early, transitioning away from the bottle, and focusing on a water-only routine after brushing, you’ll be helping your little one build a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. As we work together toward these goals, remember that every little step counts, and the effort you put in today will pay off with a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles! Dr. Laura and the team are here to help, so please call us with any questions!

*For more information about baby bottle decay, click here to read an article from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry