You can greatly reduce your baby’s risk of developing baby bottle tooth decay. Here are some ways to start healthy oral habits early: After each feeding—and before naps or bedtime gently wipe your baby’s teeth with a clean gauze pad or soft washcloth. Ensure your child is getting enough fluoride. If your local water supply is not fluoridated, ask your dentist or doctor if a supplement is needed. Fluoride naturally helps protect against cavities. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled brush without toothpaste, or with a fluoride-free toothpaste made for babies. Gently clean and massage the gums in areas without teeth. Begin flossing when two teeth touch. Schedule your child’s first dental visit when the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Use bottles only for milk, water, formula, or special electrolyte drinks recommended for diarrhea. Avoid letting your child fall asleep while drinking anything other than water. Never coat or dip a pacifier in sugar, honey, or any sweet substance. To help your child transition to a sippy cup, you can try a half-water, half-juice mix but avoid serving this mixture in a bottle. Skip soft drinks entirely they offer no nutritional value and can harm teeth. If your child already drinks sugary beverages from a bottle, start diluting them with water over 2–3 weeks until only water remains. With these preventive steps, you can protect your child’s developing smile and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
