I honestly thought as long as you skipped juice and sweets you were safe, but milk? Never would’ve guessed.
Yep, it surprises a lot of people—milk doesn’t seem like the bad guy, but it’s got natural sugars that bacteria love. I see so many parents shocked when their toddler’s first checkup shows early cavities, even though they’re careful with snacks. It’s not just juice and candy that do the damage. Nighttime bottles are the real culprit since the milk just sits on those tiny teeth. Wrestling a squirmy kid for brushing? Been there... but it’s worth the fight.
I get nervous reading about this stuff because my mom swears she let me fall asleep with a bottle all the time and my teeth were fine as a baby. Is it possible genetics play a part too? I mean, I get that milk has sugar, but my cousin’s kid had bottles at night and didn’t get cavities, while my friend’s baby had one before age one and she was super strict. It all seems kind of random, honestly. Maybe there’s more to it than just the milk?
It all seems kind of random, honestly. Maybe there’s more to it than just the milk?
Totally get what you mean—my brother and I had the same habits growing up, but he got a bunch of cavities and I barely had any. Genetics definitely seem to play a part, but I also wonder if it’s stuff like how much saliva babies make, or even just luck with bacteria? I always joke my teeth are stubborn, but maybe there’s something to it.
I’ve wondered about this too, honestly. My family’s got a weird mix—my dad never had a cavity until he was in his 40s, but my mom and sister seemed to get them if they even looked at a cookie. We all brushed the same, ate pretty much the same stuff, but the results were totally different. I used to think it was just luck, but when I started digging into it (after my niece got a cavity at 9 months old, which blew my mind), turns out there’s a lot more going on than just milk or sugar.
Genetics are a big piece, for sure. Some people just have stronger enamel or better bacteria in their mouths. But I’ve read that how much saliva you make really does matter—saliva helps wash away food and neutralize acids, so if someone’s got a dry mouth, even as a baby, that can set them up for more issues. And then there’s the bacteria thing... apparently, babies can pick up cavity-causing bacteria from their parents or caregivers, even just from sharing spoons or cleaning a pacifier with your mouth. Never would’ve thought of that before I saw it happen in my own family.
I guess what surprised me most is that it’s not just about brushing or diet. My niece’s parents were super careful, but she still ended up with early decay. Her dentist said some kids just have “stickier” teeth—stuff clings more, and it’s harder to keep them clean no matter what you do. Kind of frustrating, honestly.
I wouldn’t say it’s all random, but there are so many little things adding up. Makes me feel like you can do everything right and still run into problems sometimes. At least now there are more options for early care. My niece got these little fluoride treatments and her teeth have been fine since. Still, it’s wild how early it can all start.
It really does catch people off guard how early cavities can show up, even in babies who don’t eat much besides milk or formula. I see a lot of families who are shocked when their little one’s first dental visit turns up early decay, especially when they feel like they’ve done everything “right.” Your point about genetics and saliva is spot on—those are huge factors, and honestly, there’s only so much you can control there.
The bacteria transfer thing is a biggie, too. It’s wild how easily it happens, and most parents have no idea. I’ve had so many conversations where someone’s surprised that blowing on food, sharing utensils, or even kissing on the mouth can pass on cavity-causing bacteria. It’s not about blaming anyone, just kind of eye-opening.
“Sticky” teeth are real, too. Some kids just have deeper grooves or slightly rougher enamel, so food and bacteria hang around longer. Even as adults, some people are just more prone to plaque build-up no matter how careful they are. It’s frustrating, but it helps explain why two people with the same habits can have totally different outcomes.
Fluoride treatments can be a lifesaver for kids at higher risk. They’re quick, painless, and can make a huge difference in strengthening enamel, especially when you catch things early. I’ve seen kids go from having early decay to years without a single new cavity after starting those. Sealants are another option for older kids with deep grooves.
I get why it feels like luck sometimes, but there’s still value in the basics—wiping baby’s gums before teeth come in, avoiding letting them fall asleep with a bottle, and trying to keep sugary snacks to a minimum. But yeah, sometimes you do everything and still end up back in the dentist’s chair.
It’s tough not to stress about it, especially as a parent. But catching things early, like your niece’s dentist did, can really turn things around. And honestly, even if cavities do happen, it’s not a failure—it’s just one of those things that comes with having teeth.
