Question: My baby just got his first tooth. Can he get cavities?

Dr. Herman's Answer: Yes, cavities can develop in your baby's teeth. For this reason, you should limit the time teeth are exposed to liquid containing sugar. Juice, formula and milk all contain sugar and can encourage the development of cavities. You should never put your child to bed with a bottle or “sippy cup” that is filled with any liquids containing sugar—only warm water is acceptable. This applies to pacifiers as well and I would strongly advise against dipping your child’s pacifier in honey or any sweetener. You may have the urge to reward your child with sweets, but remember that high-levels of sugar exposure at a young age can be disastrous to your child’s oral health.