Final answer:
Giving an infant a bottle of warm milk at bedtime can lead to baby bottle tooth decay, as the sugars from the milk can remain on the teeth and lead to enamel erosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an infant's bedtime routine includes getting a bottle of warm milk, the child is at risk for a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay. This condition occurs when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars, like milk, linger on an infant's teeth for a long time. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and produce acids that can attack the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Infants who fall asleep with bottles in their mouths have an even higher risk as the flow of saliva decreases during sleep, providing less natural rinse for the teeth.
While breast milk provides essential nutrients and immunoglobulins for development and growth, and for protecting against infections, it is important to ensure that it does not remain on the teeth for extended periods. To prevent this, parents should avoid giving bottles at bedtime or during nap time. They should also encourage the baby to finish their bedtime bottle before going to sleep.