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Baby Bottles Can Cause Tooth Decay and Soft Teeth

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 21-22 Month Old Toddler

Babies are not born with soft teeth. Most dental problems in children under 3 years are caused by baby bottle tooth decay. Many parents don’t realize that formula, juice, and even milk contain some sugar. Cavities and decay can begin when a baby carries a bottle around all day, nurses a lot, or sleeps with a bottle.


To protect your child’s teeth:

  • Feed only formula, milk, or water from a bottle.
  • Limit bottle use to feeding time. Sleeping times are not feeding times. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle. If your child needs comforting at bedtime, put a favorite blanket, or stuffed animal in the bed with him.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 21-22 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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