How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay from Nursing or a Bottle?

Commonly asked questions about your children’s dental care.

• Taking your baby off of the breast when he/she falls asleep can prevent baby tooth decay.
• Hold your baby while bottle feeding. Always take a bottle filled with milk or juice away from the sleeping child.
• If your child requires a bottle at bedtime, provide a bottle filled with water.
• Instead of a bottle, try comforting your child with a pacifier or a favorite toy or blanket.
• Check with your child’s pediatrician to make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride.
• Brush your baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush daily.

When should bottle feeding be stopped?

Begin teaching your baby to use a cup by seven months. It’s a good idea to introduce juice in a cup. Your baby can be off the bottle by 12 months.

Related reading: Bottle caries · Baby dental problems · Children’s dental center