Can putting my child to bed at night with a bottle cause dental problems?

Yes. It's called baby bottle tooth decay and it's very important for caregivers to understand what it is and how to prevent it. A baby's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that occurs when a child's teeth are continuously exposed to sugary liquids, such as formula, fruit juice, and milk.

It's not just what your child drinks, but also how often and how long his or her teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing sweetened liquids from a bottle to form on your child's teeth. This greatly increases your baby's risk of decay. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth. However, other teeth can be damaged, too. Primary teeth are important because they help your baby chew food and speak. Parents who repeatedly offer a child a bottle containing sugary liquids either as a pacifier or at bedtime, can do serious harm to their child's dental health. If your baby needs a comforter between regular feedings, you might consider giving him or her a bottle of water instead.