STOP BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

• It is a serious dental disease affecting infants and children.
• It is tooth decay that results from improper feeding practices.
• It may involve one or several teeth.
• It usually occurs on the upper front teeth.

How might your child get Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

• If your child sleeps with a bottle.
• If your child has a bottle for long periods during the day.
• If you child sucks on a pacifier dipped in honey, syrup or anything sweet.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay may cause:

• Pain
• Many cavities
• Crooked permanent teeth
• Ear and speech problems
• Possible emotional problems

Helpful hints for breaking the bottle habit:

• Do not give your child a bottle at any time other than for feeding.
• Teach you child to use a cup at about 6 months of age so by age 1 the bottle may be eliminated.

What can be used to calm and quiet you child?

• Give a security blanket, teddy bear or a plain pacifier
• Sing or play music
• Hold or rock your child
• Give back rub
• Use a musical mobile
• Read a book or tell a story

PREVENT BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

• Put you child to bed without a bottle.
• Do not let your child walk around or sit with a bottle during the day.
• Trade the bottle for a cup by 1 year of age.
• Brush your child's teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth.
• Visit the dentist regularly, starting between ages 2 and 3, earlier if a problem exists.
• Avoid giving your child sugary foods.
• Make sure your child receives fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste, fluoride water and fluoride treatments or drops are excellent sources.

DuPage County Health Department
Dental Health Services Unit
630 682-7400 Extension 7776