Parents were today warned about giving children soft drinks or fruit juices in their baby bottles over fears about infants needing dental surgery.
Dentists issued the alert on the back of a study that showed nearly half of infants under five years in some parts of Ireland have decayed teeth.
The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said it is concerned by the number of young children having to get surgery under general anaesthetic because of the problem.
"Many parents do not realise that their child's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to emerge, or that certain feeding practices can put their child's new teeth at risk," said the IDA's Dr Bridget Harrington-Barry.
"Sugar-containing drinks, and that includes natural fruit juices, have the greatest potential to cause decay."
The condition, often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay, can be difficult and costly to treat but is preventable if parents monitor the children's feeding habits.
Dr Harrington-Barry said it was important not only to control what goes into a baby's feeding bottle or cup but also the length of time the infant's teeth are exposed to the drink.
The IDA advises giving water or milk to children between meals, and diluting any sugary drinks - including natural fruit juices - for consumption from a cup only when eating.
The last North South Survey of Children's Oral Health found 47 per cent
of children aged five from non-fluoridated areas across the island of Ireland had one or more cavities. Three out of ten children of the same age from fluoridated areas had tooth decay.
A study by the World Health Organisation claimed Ireland was among the worst of 35 countries for child and adolescent consumption of soft drinks and sweets.
PA