The longer sugar is on teeth, the more time germs have to grow and cause tooth decay.

Germs + Sugar + Time = Tooth Decay Many foods, including milk, formula and 100% fruit juice contain sugar.

• Walking around all day with a bottle or sippy cup, unless it has only water, can cause tooth decay.
  
  
• Bottles in the crib at bed time or nap time can cause tooth decay.
  
  
• If your baby is attached to the bottle at bed time, try these tips:
  • Use a pacifier.
  • Rock your baby to sleep.
  • Sing a song or play soothing music.
  • Give your baby a back rub.
  • Gradually dilute the formula or milk in your baby’s bedtime bottle with water after age one (get a doctor’s approval before age one). Each night, use a little less milk and a little more water.
    
    
• Juice is high in sugar and should never be put in a bottle. 
  
  
• Sippy cups should only have water unless it’s mealtime.
  
  
• Use a sippy cup only until your baby learns to drink from a regular cup.
  
  
• Your baby can begin learning to drink from a regular cup at six months. He or she will need help, but it’s a good time to start.