Some parents view giving a bottle as a good way to keep a child quiet and occupied during difficult times. Drinking from a bottle may stop a child from crying, but frequent consumption of foods containing sugar can place the child at risk for tooth decay.
A parent with serious daily life stresses may not be able to make a child’s oral health a high priority. The child may be less likely to be taken to visit the dentist, may not have their teeth brushed on a regular basis, and may be more likely to snack frequently on foods containing sugar.
Some parents believe it is fine to give a child a bottle or snacks for comfort. While children need to eat small amounts frequently to meet their nutritional requirements, it’s important to offer nutritious snacks at regular times between meals rather than on demand.
