Avoiding Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

By now, you are enjoying your baby’s smile. You can help your baby have a beautiful smile by taking care of his mouth before he gets his baby teeth. Even though his baby teeth will fall out, it is important to keep them healthy. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy permanent teeth.

Before you can even see your baby’s teeth, they need care. Clean your baby’s mouth every day. Wipe it out with a soft clean cloth. This will help remove germs and keep his mouth healthy.


Protect your baby from the pain of “baby bottle tooth decay.” Always hold your baby when feeding him. Never put your baby to sleep with a bottle. Formula or juice that stays in his mouth while he sleeps can harm his baby teeth. When his baby teeth appear, continue to gently wash them with a soft cloth. Do not use toothpaste until he is about three years old and able to spit it out.

When he is about one year old, you can start to brush gently your baby’s teeth with a soft, baby-size toothbrush.

Your baby should get his first dental checkup when he is one year old. You may have questions about how to protect your baby’s teeth. If you have questions, ask your doctor or dentist.