(HealthDay News) -- Your baby's teeth can decay from going to bed with a baby bottle or poor oral hygiene.
The American Dental Association lists these suggestions to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay:
- Moms, practice good oral hygiene and don't share utensils or put your baby's pacifier in your mouth.
- Wipe baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding.
- Brush teeth with water and a child's toothbrush as soon as teeth break through the skin.
- Begin using fluoride toothpaste at about age 2, or when baby can spit. You will need to brush your child's teeth until at least age 6.
- Only formula, milk or breast milk go in baby bottles -- never juice or other sugary drinks.
- Don't put your child to bed with a bottle.
- Make sure pacifiers are clean (with soap and water) and never dip them in honey or other sweeteners.
- Limit sweet treats, provide exposure to fluoride and introduce baby to a sippy cup by the first birthday.
