One the worst things that you can do as a parent is allow your child to fall asleep with a baby bottle. Any liquid that you have in the bottle, besides water, will contain sugar, which causes tooth decay. Even babies who fall frequently fall asleep nursing are more susceptible to cavities, but there are some things that you can do to help this process.

Alternative Sleeping Methods
Perhaps the best way to prevent early childhood cavities is to put your child to bed without a bottle. Rather than providing the child with a bottle, pediatric dentists in Encinitas would recommend singing or playing music, reading stories, gently rocking the child, or providing a security blanket or toy. All of these methods help to prevent tooth decay both short and long term.

Other Methods
Tooth decay isn’t just a bedtime problem, as children who are given unlimited access to a sippy cup with juice or milk throughout the day fall into a higher risk category. Instead, pediatric dentists in Encinitas might tell you to give your child water during the day and then milk or juice with meals.

Going to the Dentists
Of course, taking your child to the dentist can help prevent early childhood cavities, as it helps to identify problems in the child’s mouth and treat them before they become larger issues. Pediatric dentists like Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry specialize in treating children and give your child a better chance of achieving maximum oral health. They are available at 760-633-1131, so call to schedule an appointment right away.