My DS has been off the bottle for the most part since 10 months, and off completely for the last two. He was getting a bedtime bottle up until then, but I try to always brush his teeth (unless he's just too tired) or at least rinse his mouth out with water.

But lately I've been noticing darkish streaks on his top two teeth that are kind of up near his gumline and only apparent when you pull his lip up. Is this tooth decay?? I don't know what more to do. How much more thoroughly can you brush a baby's teeth at this age?? And what will this mean for future teeth.

Any experience in this matter would be appreciated.

You can take him to a dentist but they may want to have them pulled if they are rotting. Can you remember a time where he may have hit his teeth? This can also cause the teeth to bruise, sometimes the actual tooth may turn dark if not black. If he's ever or recently hit his teeth on somthing then this may cause that.

Take him to a dentist. Do you ever remember white lines up there? My 2 year old has these, she's got other dental problems also (i also brush her teeth every night before bed and durring the day depending on what she's eaten that day, she's a picky eater so she doesn't eat much junk and sugar). She had a chip out of the back of her front tooth that turned into a cavity, not she has a chip (noticable) out of the tooth and a molar that looks pretty bad. We are now waiting for an apt at the childrens hospital because she will have to be put out in order for the dentist to work on her. I can't really tell you what is causing your sons lines, but i know the dentist i took my daughter to told me to really watch the white lines to make sure they don't turn yellow because that is a sign of decay...i would take him in asap, you want to catch any decay before it gets worse.

Mandy, he did have the white chalky lines up there. They are still there, but now the area just below them is starting to turn a very light tan color. From everything I've read online, this is early infant tooth decay. I've never put him to bed with a bottle!!!! I'm gonna have to wait for his dental insurance to kick in next month before I can take him!