Early Childhood Tooth Decay

 

Mother's Milk, formula, cow's milk and fruit juice all contain sugars. Babies may get early childhood tooth decay from:

- going to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice and

- falling asleep at the breast with milk still in the mouth

It can happen to children up to age 4.

Once your child has teeth, lift his or her lips once a month and check the teeth. Look for dull white spots or lines on the teeth. These may be on the necks of the teeth next to the gums. Dark teeth are also a sign. If you see any signs, go to the dentist right away. Early childhood tooth decay must be treated quickly. If not, your child may have pain and infection.

If you give your child a bottle of milk, formula or juice at bedtime, stopping all at once will not be easy. Here are some tips:

- Put plain water in the bottle

- If this is turned down, give your child a clean soother, a stuffed toy or a blanket

- If your child cries, do not give up

- Comfort him or her, and try again

If this does not work, try watering down your child's bottle over a week or two, until there is only plain water left.