PARENTS of toddlers aged one and above across the Bradford district are being invited to ‘bin the bottle’ in a bid to improve the oral health of babies and young children.

The aim is to raise awareness of the effects that prolonged bottle use can have on dental health.

The Community Dental service from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Better Start Bradford to launch the campaign, and have set up exchange points until February 25.

At each location, parents and carers will be able to collect a free toothbrush and toothpaste pack, as well as their free-flowing feeder cup.

Sharon Walker, oral health improvement lead at the Trust, said: “Drinks flow slower through a bottle meaning a baby’s teeth are in contact with the sweetened substance for longer, which can increase the chance of tooth decay.

“Swapping to a cup will therefore reduce this risk. They don’t need to use a bottle at all if they are breastfed, they can move straight onto a cup.

“Although it might be hard at first, it will also help them to learn how to sip rather than suck and your baby will gradually learn how to drink from an open cup.”

For a full list of exchange points and locations, visit https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/bradford-babies-bin-the-bottle/.