Once your child has teeth, he or she is susceptible to tooth decay. Mother's milk, formula, cow's milk and fruit juice all contain sugars. Babies may get early childhood tooth decay from going to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice and falling asleep at the breast with milk still in the mouth.
It can happen to children up to age four. Once your child has teeth, lift his or her lips once a month and check the teeth. Look for dull white spots or lines on the teeth. These may be on the necks of the teeth next to the gums. Dark teeth are also a sign of tooth decay. If you see any signs, go to the dentist right away. Early childhood tooth decay must be treated quickly. If not, your child may have pain and infection.
If you give your child a bottle of milk, formula or juice at bedtime, stopping all at once will not be easy. Here are some tips: