Baby Bottle Cavities: Avoidable Decay

Once your baby's teeth begin to appear, you need to take extra care that these new teeth do not develop cavities. One common way a baby can develop cavities is called "nursing bottle mouth," which is caused by extended nursing on milk, formula, or juices, especially at bedtime or naptime. You should not use a feeding bottle as a pacifier. If you must give your baby a bottle at bedtime or naptime, make sure it contains plain water. You should not give a baby a pacifier that has been dipped in honey or sugar

Enamel and Flouride: The Building Blocks of Healthy Teeth

Enamel, the hardest substance in the body, is the outermost layer of the tooth and protects the tooth from decay. Fluoride, a naturally occurring substance, can strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Some sources of fluoride that help prevent cavities are fluoridated drinking water, fluoride-containing toothpastes, and fluoride mouth rinses.
Your dentist or physician may recommend or prescribe additional fluoride treatments. Be sure to follow his/her instructions because too much fluoride can alter the appearance of your child's teeth.

Toothpaste: What Do Children Like?

A good way to encourage your child to brush is by using a pleasantly flavored fluoride toothpaste. The taste and appearance of a toothpaste can make brushing a more enjoyable experience, so children are more likely to brush twice each day and brush for longer periods of time. Children six years of age or less should brush twice a day using no more than a pea-size dab of toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush to remove plaque and provide fluoride protection.