Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Most babies start getting their first tooth at about 6 months of age. You might be surprised to learn that as soon as that first tooth appears, it is vulnerable to cavities! Tooth decay in infants is far too common-but it can be prevented. Here are some hints from dentists to help you protect your baby's teeth.

To prevent tooth decay in a baby or toddler, dentists say to follow these tips:

• Gently take the baby from the breast or remove the bottle from her mouth right away if she falls asleep while feeding.
• Avoid pacifiers dipped in honey, syrup, or anything sweet.
• Offer a bottle with cool water to a child who is thirsty between regular feedings or who wants a bottle for comfort. Avoid sweetened juices, soda pop, or powdered soft drinks.
• Avoid baby bottles made to look like bottles of soda pop. These may influence a child to choose soft drinks when he is older-a choice that can be very bad for teeth.
• Clean a baby's gums once a day, even before he has teeth. Use a clean, damp piece of gauze, washcloth, or infant toothbrush with water only. You can make this a pleasant time if you smile and tell him what you are doing: "This is how we clean your mouth. There's your tooth!" Avoid toothpaste until your baby's dentist says to start using it. Children under age 3 might try to swallow it.
• Start teaching your baby to use a cup of water or juice shortly after her first tooth appears. She may need a lot of practice before you can completely replace the bottle or breast with a cup! Spill-proof cups can help.
• Remember, there is no strong evidence that either breast-feeding or bottle-feeding is better for an infant's teeth, but weaning at 12-14 months may reduce the risk of infant tooth decay.

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when sweet liquids cling to the teeth in a baby's mouth. Whether it's breast milk, formula, juice, sugar water, or a soft drink, the sugary liquid makes a perfect place for bacteria to grow. You might not notice tooth decay until it's too late. If you see tan, brown, or black spots or pits on a tooth, especially a front tooth, the baby should visit a dentist!

Some babies can't fall asleep without a bottle. If he is used to a sweet liquid, gradually replace it with cool water. Over two or three weeks, add a little more water each day to thin the mixture.

Babies need dental checkups. Many dentists like to have the first visit around the child's first birthday. Others say to start when the first tooth appears. You can make the checkup a learning time. Introduce the baby to the dentist and other staff. Some dentists have baby toys or other things to touch. She can sit on your lap while the dentist checks her mouth.

Web Resources:

• Dental Care for Your Baby
  http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/babycare.asp
• Frequently Asked Questions: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
  http://www.ada.org/public/topics/decay_childhood_faq.asp
• What's Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
  http://www.agd.org/consumer/topics/baby/main.asp
• Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
  http://www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/oralhlth/oralbabydecay.htm
• Brushing Up on Tooth Brushing
  http://urbanext.illinois.edu/nibbles/health-toothbrush.html

Spanish: El cuidado de los dientes de los bebés

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

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