milk @ night...?

Question

I recently found out that giving a child a bottle of milk during the night causes tooth decay. I was under the impression that it was only when the child had the bottle in their mouth and sucked on the nipple all night. Well, I'm glad I now know but my daughter is not. She is having a hard time going back to sleep after she gets a sippy cup of water instead of milk. Can I give her flavored water? Can anyone recommend anything else..

Thank You

My daughter is 16 months old

Answer 1

The milk sits in there mouth after drinking it then they fall asleep. The milk has sugar in it. The whole idea is to not let kids have the sugar in their mouths for lengthy times. Also don't give them bottles of juice that last most of the day, too much sugar contact on the teeth.

There is nothing wrong with getting your child used to regular/bottled water at a young age. Give them juices and milk in moderation and at appropriate times. Get ready to start brushing her teeth, don't wait. They get cavities and gingivitis as early as 2yrs old.

Answer 2

It is true that milk can cause decay at night as the saliva flow slows down.
I know how hard it is to get a child out of a habit like that, and well done for trying.
With the flavored water just check the ingredients to see how it is sweetened if it is done with sweeteners then that is fine, but if it has natural fruit juice in it then again I'm afraid that's a no no.
Hope that helps, and all goes well with the change over.
Qualified Dental Nurse 10yrs

Answer 3

Yes, you can... My suggestion would be 3 parts water and 1 part juice. This way she'll have the flavor, but NOT all the sugar that comes with it.

NEVER give your 'toddlers' a bottle/sippy cup, of pure juice..any time of the day! Between the acids and sugars, your only asking for trouble later on. Not to mention, when the adult teeth start coming through theres a slight chance of discoloration.

Answer 4

WHEN THE CHILD INSISTS ON HAVING SOMETHING IN THEIR MOUTH EVEN AT 16 MONTHS THEY NEED TO LEARN THAT A FAVORITE TOY/PILLOW IS WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THEM.
IF THIRST IS THE REASON SOME PLAIN WATER IN A SIPPY CUP SHOULD SUFFICE.

Answer 5

Well, you didn't say how old your daughter is, but, I would guess that flavored water would be alright, as long as it doesn't have much sugar in it, otherwise, you are defeating your purpose..