I have a 6 month old little girl (my second). I was reading some articles last night - they warned against damage caused to baby's teeth if they fall asleep with a bottle. Says they'll have major problems and might even need their teeth fixed at a hospital. It says that the formula stays in their mouth when they fall asleep, and causes damage.
About 50% of the time I rock my baby to sleep, she'll take 2 ounces of formula left from dinner.
Do I have to stop doing this? Should I clean her mouth out with a washcloth before I set her in her crib? (don't want to - she's a very light sleeper)
Thanks!
2007-05-08 08:46:23 · 7 answers · asked by jennifer74781 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
If she must have a drink to sleep, she should get an ounce of water from a clean bottle. It is worse for bottle-fed babies as the bottle can drip into their mouths where a breast once emptied won't leak without them sucking and swallowing. All babies, even breastfed babies should have their mouths wiped out (if possible) before bed. The article, and, in fact the baby-bottle-rot issue, is more directed at parents who hand their child a full bottle and then set them in the crib for the night. If you take the bottle with you after laying her down, you are in pretty good shape, she will most likely swallow some saliva and wash her mouth out that way.
2007-05-08 09:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by Momofthreeboys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just falling asleep with a bottle isn't the problem; it's letting them sleep with it in their mouth! The milk stays in their mouth instead of being swallowed, which causes horrendous tooth decay. As long as you remove it when she is 'out' she should be OK.
You should be cleaning her mouth with a clean washrag once a day. If she has any teeth, it's time to start brushing them [ no toothpaste ] Don't use toothpaste with flouride until she is old enough to spit. it out.
My son is 23 yearsold and has never had a cavity!
2007-05-08 16:10:28 · answer #2 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is called Dental Carries. The sugar from the formula can rot their teeth. You must begin washing the gums and teeth with gauze or a wash cloth twice a day.
I would wash it out at night or let her drink some water right after to wash it down.
Good Luck and clean those teeth good!
2007-05-08 16:27:33 · answer #3 · answered by qpook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i didnt hear about this article, however it makes sense. we are adviced to wash our teeth before bed (or after eating) and the same goes for babies. milk/sugary drinks if left to trickle away in baby's won't do much good. also, all the time sucking on a dummy or bottle, it may harm the shape of the mouth.
2007-05-08 15:56:38 · answer #4 · answered by xaronne1971 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about 6 months or not but when my daughter was about 8 months I changed to to a cup and I didn't give it to her at night or give her a choice , and to get her winged off the bottle the doc told me to put nothing in the bottle but plain water which worked out great my daughter didn't want anything to do with the water but don't give in to your baby
2007-05-08 15:56:59 · answer #5 · answered by midnightsmokerchic23 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My daughter always feel asleep with the bottle in her mouth and now she 6 years old and has no problems with her teeth. I think what they are talking about it when people just put there babies in the crib with the bottle and let them put themselves to sleep. If your really worried you can always call your doctor.
2007-05-08 15:58:48 · answer #6 · answered by jenpoesavon 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, this is very true. always brush or wipe her teeth and gums before going to bed. very important. (I am surprised your pediatrician didn't tell you about this)
2007-05-08 16:05:38 · answer #7 · answered by Emily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋