How to avoid tooth decay

Babies who have sweets or sugary drinks every day are far more likely to develop tooth decay, which can be very painful as well as unsightly.

How you can help prevent tooth decay:

• Don’t give your baby sugary drinks in a bottle; introduce a cup for drinks at around 6 months and drop bottle drinks completely by 1 year
• Don’t add sugar to foods you prepare yourself; use only the smallest amount if you need to make sour fruit tastier
• Don’t give sugary drinks at bedtime or during the night
• Ask your friends and relatives not to give your baby sweet things
• Keep sweet foods to a minimum
• Don’t offer sugary foods and drinks between meals; offer cooled, boiled water as a drink.

Few parents can resist their baby’s demands for sweet things completely, but remember that it is very easy for a baby to eat too much sugar so it’s important to limit sugary foods as much as you can.