Here are some practices that can reduce an infant’s risk of tooth decay before his first dental visit: A Clean the infant’s teeth twice a day with cotton balls dipped in clear water. Do not permit your child to use his bottle, containing milk, juice or any flavored or sweetened drink, as a daytime or nighttime pacifier; use of plain water is the better choice. Teach your child to drink from a cup and wean the child from using the bottle containing juice or sweetened drink during daytime. Refrain from a giving the infant a pacifier dipped in jelly or sugar.