How to Prevent Bottle Mouth

Tooth decay can even happen in early childhood. A baby or toddler who drinks beverages that contain sugar from a bottle or a sippy cup can be at risk of developing baby bottle tooth decay, commonly known as "bottle mouth." Formula, milk and fruit juice all contain sugars, so these drinks could be responsible for serious tooth decay in a young child. With vigilance, you can prevent BBTD from occurring to keep your child̵7;s teeth healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth
  • Toddler toothbrush
  • Fluoride toothpaste

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill your little one̵7;s bottle with milk or formula for feeding. Give your baby the bottle by holding her and holding the bottle during the entire feeding. Do not prop the bottle in place to feed your little one, because babies need caregiver interaction during feedings.

    • 2

      Moisten the washcloth and wipe your baby̵7;s gums to clean them after every beverage served in a bottle or sippy cup, and after every meal.

    • 3

      Brush your baby̵7;s or toddler̵7;s teeth with the toddler toothbrush and water after every meal and beverage, other than water. After your little one turns 2, use a pea-size dollop of fluoride toothpaste on his toothbrush.

    • 4

      Avoid giving a baby or toddler sugar-laden beverages such as sweetened fruit drinks, soft drinks, gelatin water and fruit juice, advises the Indiana State Department of Health. These beverages coat the teeth, which often leads to decay.

    • 5

      Give your baby a bottle of water at bedtime if she likes to go to sleep with a bottle. If sucking helps your baby go to sleep, offer a clean pacifier, too, suggests pediatrician Alan Greene. Always make sure a pacifier is clean prior to giving it to your child. Never lick it because this could transfer plaque from your mouth to your baby̵7;s mouth, warns Tigard Family Dental. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey.

    • 6

      Brush your baby̵7;s teeth if he falls asleep within 15 minutes of finishing a feeding, advises Greene. To avoid waking your baby, wait until he falls into a deep sleep and then brush his teeth gently to remove lingering sugars from his teeth.

    • 7

      Contact your dentist after your child gets her first tooth and ask about scheduling her initial dental visit. Take your child to the dentist regularly for preventive dental checkups.

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