Many parents are surprised to learn that giving milk or formula at bedtime—especially after brushing—can contribute to early tooth decay. While comforting, that bottle or sippy cup at night might be putting your child’s teeth at risk.
Let’s break down why, and what you can do to protect those tiny smiles.
Milk contains natural sugars (like lactose). When these sugars sit on your child’s teeth overnight—especially if they haven’t brushed—it creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to feed and cause cavities.
This is called “early childhood caries” (ECC), sometimes referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. It’s most common in:
Even if it’s just a few teeth, brushing gently after milk helps remove sugar before sleep.
Transition to water in a cup or bottle if your child wakes thirsty. It hydrates without harming teeth.
This is a surprisingly common practice that dramatically increases cavity risk.
If your child wakes for comfort and feeds regularly through the night (past infancy), it might be time to reduce dependency.
If your toddler relies on a bedtime milk feed to fall asleep, you’re not alone. Here’s how to gently transition away from it:
Tip: Don’t go cold turkey unless your child is ready—it’s okay to wean gradually!
First—don’t panic. Many parents do. The good news is that with a few changes and regular check-ups, we can prevent further damage.
👶 At our clinic, we offer:
Whether you’re worried about bedtime habits or want to check for early signs of decay, we’re here to help.
👉 Book your child’s appointment today
| 🚫 Don’t | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| Let kids fall asleep with milk | Offer milk earlier, then brush |
| Skip brushing after feeds | Brush last thing before sleep |
| Give sugary drinks at night | Offer only water at bedtime |
Fields with (*) are required.
Please contact us via this website or email without disclosing confidential information.
