We’ve probably all succumbed to the temptation to give our infants a bottle of juice or milk at bedtime. Although it works wonders to comfort a child (and gives a tired parent a rest!), it damages teeth and can lead to nursing caries.
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Nursing caries results when teeth are exposed for long periods to liquids containing sugars. Many sweet liquids cause these problems, including milk, formula and fruit juices. A night time bottle is not the only culprit. Many bottles during the day are equally damaging.
How to prevent nursing caries
Don’t get your child into the habit of falling asleep with a bottle. Encourage the use of pacifiers instead. If your child needs a bottle to settle down, try switching to water. You can do this gradually by diluting his favourite drink with water.
Take your child with when you visit your dentist. This way he/she will get used to this environment. By age one, your child should start having regular check-ups.
Enquire about the fluoride content in the water supply in your area. Ask your dentist if fluoride supplements are necessary.
After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth. Start brushing your child’s teeth when the first tooth appears.
We’ve probably all succumbed to the temptation to give our infants a bottle of juice or milk at bedtime. Although it works wonders to comfort a child (and gives a tired parent a rest!), it damages teeth and can lead to nursing caries.
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