What causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? These decayed teeth were not caused by eating too much candy. They were caused by the baby going to bed with a bottle filled with milk or a sweet drink. This is called "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay." It can happen when the baby falls asleep with the bottle. Or, it can happen if the baby carries the bottle in his or her mouth throughout the day.
Almost any kind of drink except water can cause your baby’s teeth to decay:
	• Milk or formula
	• Soda pop
	• Sweetened tea
	• Juice
	• Any drink with sugar added
How can I protect my baby’s teeth?
	• Use a bottle at meal times only.
	• Put your baby to bed without a bottle. Or fill the bottle with water.
	• Clean your baby’s teeth and gums each day with a clean washcloth, or a small soft toothbrush.
	• Breast-feeding is the best way to feed your baby. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is not as common in breast fed babies.
	• As your dentist or doctor about fluoride for your child. Fluoride can help protect teeth from decay.
	• Offer your baby a cup as soon as he or she can sit up alone. By the time your baby is one year old, he or she should not be using a bottle.
Try these instead of a bottle at bedtime:
	• Offer a blanket, a soft toy, or clean pacifier. Don’t dip the pacifier in anything sweet.
	• Sing or play music.
	• Hold or rock your baby.
	• Rub your child’s head or back.
Is tooth decay in baby teeth that serious? YES! It can cause painful toothaches. Toothaches can make your child very sick. Badly decayed teeth can become infected and need to be removed. If baby teeth become infected, your baby may have some of these problems:
	• Poor eating habits
	• Pain
	• Swollen gums or lips
	• Possible damage to adult teeth