Why Bottle Feeding Before Bed Causes Tooth Decay in Children
- Giving young children a bottle of milk before bedtime can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay, according to pediatric dental specialists.
- Alana Aluditasari, Sp.K.G.A, a pediatric dental specialist at RS Pondok Indah - Puri Indah, the belief that bedtime milk bottles cause cavities is factual rather than a myth.
- The condition develops through demineralization, where the outermost enamel layer of the teeth breaks down.
Giving young children a bottle of milk before bedtime can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay, according to pediatric dental specialists. While the routine is commonly used by parents to help infants fall asleep faster, medical experts warn that the habit poses severe dental health risks if it continues without proper oral hygiene.
The Hidden Dental Toll of the Bedtime Milk Bottle
Pediatric Dental Risks of Bedtime Bottles
According to drg. Alana Aluditasari, Sp.K.G.A, a pediatric dental specialist at RS Pondok Indah – Puri Indah, the belief that bedtime milk bottles cause cavities is factual rather than a myth. In an official statement released on July 15, 2026, she explained that frequent bottle use before sleep promotes dental caries in young children, particularly when teeth are not cleaned afterward.
The Mechanics of Enamel Demineralization
The condition develops through demineralization, where the outermost enamel layer of the teeth breaks down. This damage occurs when oral bacteria ferment leftover sugars and carbohydrates from milk or food, generating acids that erode the tooth structure over time.
Kebiasaan minum susu menggunakan botol sebelum tidur menjadi salah satu faktor yang dapat menyebabkan terbentuknya karies gigi pada anak
drg. Alana Aluditasari, Sp.K.G.A
Understanding Dental Caries in Children
Dental caries left unaddressed can interfere with a child’s overall growth and development, according to reporting from iNews.id.