Health Tip: Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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(HealthDay News) -- If your little one gets a lot of sweetened liquids -- including juice, formula and even some brands of milk -- the sugars from these liquids can cling to the teeth and cause "baby bottle" tooth decay.

The American Dental Association offers these preventive suggestions:

• Wipe baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after a feeding.
• As soon as the first tooth breaks through, start brushing baby's teeth. Begin flossing when baby has all of his or her teeth.
• Don't let your child take a bottle of juice, milk, formula or anything sweet to bed.
• Don't give your baby a bottle with soda or sugar water.
• Talk to your dentist about ways to give your child fluoride if it isn't in your local water supply.
• Schedule regular dental visits for your child, starting at the first birthday.

-- Diana Kohnle

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