Like a favourite stuffed animal or blanket, a child’s bottle can quickly become a major source of comfort. Night-time bottle feeding, however, can contribute to tooth decay.
That’s because the sugar that’s found in milk can cause decay. This decay development often occurs when children fall asleep holding their bottle and milk is left to sit in their mouth overnight.
To keep your child’s mouth healthy, take the bottle from them before they fall asleep. Then carefully wipe off their teeth and gums to prevent decay from developing. You also may want to consider gradually swapping out the milk with water until the bottle is filled with just water.
Remember that it’s important to bring your child to see the dentist by their first birthday. We will examine your child’s first teeth for signs of early decay and provide tips on weaning your child off their bottle at bedtime.
