Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle in the mouth unless it is filled with plain water. Even watered-down fruit juice or milk can increase the risk of decay.
Talk with your doctor about weaning your infant from the bottle when he or she is 12 to 14 months old.
During the day, don't use a bottle to comfort your baby unless its filled with plain water.
Don't dip your baby's pacifier in sugar or sugary liquids.
Don't add sugar to your child's food.
Clean your baby's teeth with a damp cloth or a soft tooth brush after each feeding.
Take your baby to the dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in.
Teach your baby to drink from a cup by his or her first birthday.
Make sure your baby is getting the right amount of flouride. If your drinking water does not contain flouride, ask your dentist about flouride supplements.