How to Prevent Bottle Mouth

A mothers' Internet discussion group tells the story of a 1-year-old who had three baby teeth pulled and false ones installed. Parents can prevent bottle mouth, or nursing bottle caries, by taking precautions. Baby teeth do eventually fall out as permanent teeth come in, but they still need care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gauze
• Baby toothbrush
• Floss
• Dental mirror

1. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. The liquid pools in the mouth, creating a great swimming pool for sugary bacteria to grow.

2. Cut out the sweetened water, juice or formula before bedtime. Allow at least 30 minutes after the last sip. The sugar that collects in your baby's mouth can form bacteria at the base of the new teeth.

3. Change patterns if your baby sleeps with you and likes to snack periodically. Babies who nosh during the night can have problems from mother's milk remaining in the mouth.

4. Switch between water and feedings of other liquids during the daytime.

5. Clean your baby's gums with gauze. The gauze is soft, but the texture scrubs the gums.

6. Teach your child to drink from a cup by the time she's 1-year old. This lessens the temptation to fall asleep with a bottle in the mouth.

7. Brush emerging teeth with a baby toothbrush and water. Floss them, as well. Examine the teeth with a dental mirror. Look for white spots, yellow spots or brown spots near the gum line.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your child to a dentist by 12 months old, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. By 12 months, several teeth have erupted, creating the potential for bottle mouth.