Paediatric Dentistry
Early childhood (bottle) decay
Decay in baby teeth, often linked to sugary drinks in a bottle, can be prevented.
Main cause
Sugary bottles
Best drink
Water
Start brushing
First tooth
Prevention
Good habits
Overview
Young children can get decay when teeth are bathed in sugary or milky drinks for long periods, especially from a bottle at sleep time.
Baby teeth matter for eating, speech and guiding the adult teeth. Good habits early protect them and set up a healthy mouth for life.
What to know
- Sugary or milky bottles at night raise the risk
- Water is the safest drink between meals
- Baby teeth still matter and need care
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
Common questions
Why are baby teeth worth saving?
They help your child eat and speak and hold space for the adult teeth.
Is a bottle in bed a problem?
If it holds milk or juice, yes. Sipping all night bathes the teeth in sugar.
When should I start brushing?
As soon as the first tooth appears, using a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
What can my child drink instead?
Water between meals is best. Limit juice and offer it only at mealtimes.
Related topics
Teething
Teething is the normal, temporary discomfort as baby teeth come through.
Your child's first visit
An early, friendly first visit helps your child feel at ease at the dentist.
Diet, sugar & acid
What and how often you eat and drink shapes your risk of decay and erosion.
Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect your teeth from decay.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026