1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay (also known as baby bottle tooth) is a condition that occurs when sweet liquids are allowed to have frequent contact with your baby’s teeth. A common cause of this ailment is putting your baby to bed with a bottle of formula, milk, juice, soda, or sugar water. This can also be caused by giving your child several sweet drinks throughout the day. According to the ADA, “As soon as a baby’s first teeth appear, usually by age six months or so, the child is susceptible to decay.” 1

Treatment of baby bottle tooth decay varies greatly, from fluoride application to full coverage of teeth with stainless steel or veneered crowns, depending on the progression of the decay. It is best to contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to evaluate your child’s risk.

How you can help to prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a very serious condition; however, there are several ways in which you can prevent the disease from taking place. Prevention methods for infants range from teaching your child to drink from a cup at an early age, cleaning his/her mouth after feedings, brushing at the first sign of teeth, and using a clean pacifier as opposed to a bottle to calm your baby between feedings.

Prevention of baby bottle tooth decay does not stop with toddlers. You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day and make sure that your child receives enough fluoride. If your local municipal water does not contain fluoride, contact your dentist to ask how your child can get it.

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

1 “Early Childhood Tooth Decay (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)”, www.ada.org

While the American Dental Association (ADA) discusses intake levels of fluoride in drinking water, this organization does not sponsor, approve, certify or endorse Nursery® Water.

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
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Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.