can be severe enough to cause rotting of the baby's teeth to brown stumps with frequent toothaches and infection. Maybe you have seen this condition in your infant's mouth and assumed they have soft teeth. This is not the problem. The cause of baby bottle syndrome is simple and since we know the cause we can help prevent it.

The cause is frequent or prolonged contact of teeth with any liquid which contains sugar (for example baby formula, milk or juice). These liquids are given by some mother to infants in the baby bottles or even sugar or honey coated pacifiers.

We all form plaque on our teeth as a dull yellowish film containing germs.

These germs convert the sugar in babies bottle drinks into acids which start the process of tooth decay. The acid attacks the teeth for 20 minutes after drinking the sugary liquids, and so, you see, prolonged or frequent use of a bottle or a sugar coated pacifier can cause devastating tooth destruction.

Nursing bottle syndrome can cause the teeth to have an unattractive appearance. It can also be very painful for the child. The fact that these teeth can often be extracted, is no way to introduce a little child to dentistry.

You may wonder why we bother with these teeth if they eventually will fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth anyway.

The fact is the baby teeth are important, they help to guide the permanent teeth into their correct position and help prevent crowding of the permanent teeth. Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean and may also look unattractive.

Let's all work together to try to prevent Nursing Bottle Syndrome. Here are some tips: 1: Never put baby down for a nap or allow the baby to fall asleep at night with a bottle containing milk formula, juice or any other sweetened liquids or a sugar coated pacifier.

2: If you absolutely must give your child a comforter, a bottle cool water is the answer. Please don't allow your child to walk around or sit for long periods with a bottle filled with anything but water or an ordinary, plain pacifier.

3: Keep the new baby's mouth clean, wipe the mouth with a soft moist clean cloth after each feeding. Continue this method of teeth cleaning when the new teeth appear and gradually change to baby brushing for cleaning.

4: Be sure to sign up your new baby on the Government Fluoride Programme.

Check with the clinic in your area.

5: It's a good idea if you bring your child for his first dental visit before you suspect the problem. Your little one can be gently introduced to dentistry. Please do not wait until your child has toothache. This is no way to start dental care. If you intend to sue the Government Dental Clinics, remember to call early for an appointment, as there is a long waiting list.

Most children start life with sound teeth. We can work together to keep them that way. Nursing Bottle Syndrome can be prevented. Joy Smith Dental Assistant -- Department of Health.