Nursing your baby to sleep or allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle can harm teeth. During sleep, the saliva production slows, which allows sugars to cover the teeth. This can cause more bacteria in the mouth and higher acid levels, which can lead to tooth decay.
Clean your baby’s teeth using water and a soft brush or washcloth before sleep and after night feedings. Depending on your child’s risk factors for cavities, some children need a very small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, but Dr. Forrester will make that decision at the time of your visit. If your baby refuses to sleep without a bottle, plain water is best.