• 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.