Is your baby teething yet? In about 2 years, she will have all 20 teeth. If any of those teeth are decayed, your child may have what dentists call nursing bottle mouth. Bacteria in your baby’s mouth react with sugar to make acid. When she is awake, swallowing helps wash acid away. When your baby sleeps, more acid stays on her teeth to cause cavities. So don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle or allow any food at bedtime. Even though your child will lose her baby teeth, it’s important to keep these teeth healthy. Baby teeth help keep space open in the mouth so adult teeth aren’t crowded. You can care for your baby’s teeth by: Providing a healthy, balanced diet Wiping her teeth after meals with a clean cloth or gauze pad Having fluoride in the water, which helps teeth grow strong. If your water comes from a well, your doctor may suggest testing it, and adding fluoride, if needed.

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