Infant formula typically contains more sugar than does breast milk. This is a contributing factor in something called ?baby bottle tooth decay?. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat into the tooth's enamel. Bacteria require three things to flourish; water, warmth and sugar. All of these are plentiful when bottle-feeding.



But it isn't only the sugar that is present in baby formula that causes more tooth decay than breastfeeding does: it's also because of the way some parents feed their child. Many parents are guilty of putting baby to sleep with the bottle left in the child's mouth. The bottle is used much as one uses a pacifier. This is, too say the least, detrimental to a child's teeth. As the baby sleeps, warm, sugary milk flows over the teeth and gums, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

So, if you do feed your child infant formula you must ensure that you clean you child's teeth regularly. Brushing teeth should begin as soon as the first teeth emerge. Don't use regular toothpaste - your child will swallow this and it can be harmful- instead, use a baby toothpaste.

However, there is one more aspect of bottle feeding that can be a concern to the dental health of your child.

For over 50 years, fluoride has been credited with a dramatic drop in tooth decay. However, some experts - and parents - are beginning to think that infants may be getting too much fluoride. Fluoride can cause something called ?fluorosis?. This is a discolouring of the enamel of the teeth. The blotchy, uneven appearance of fluorosis is caused by over-exposure to fluoride. What constitutes over-exposure is hard to say, as some are more susceptible than others.

Some recent studies indicate that up to half of infants could be exposed to enough fluoride in drinking water to risk mild fluorosis in adult teeth. In response, the American Dental Association is offering new recommendations for infants. They recommend that breast feeding is best. They also go on to say that if you mix your own infant formula, you can buy fluoride-free water to reduce risk of fluorosis.

Toothpaste can also exacerbate fluorosis. Infants often swallow toothpaste and this means fluoride is ingested.

Many parents - and non-parents - are concerned about fluoridation of their water supply. But should you be concerned? Well, perhaps yes, if your family has a history of fluorosis or teeth discoloration. However, Dr. John Liu of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says the science behind fluoride safety and effectiveness is strong, and parents shouldn't overly worry about ruining their child's smile.

"Even the cases where I do see fluorosis, they are so minor that no cosmetic intervention is needed,? he said.

Fluoridation is a contentious issue. Those are those who argue that the introduction of fluoride has greatly reduced tooth decay in all sections of the population, but there are those who argue that fluoridation causes discoloration and is something that is imposed upon them.

If you do have any concerns about your child's teeth, your first point of call should be your family dentist.