Proper Dental Care Begins with Baby Teeth

Most babies begin teething between 6 months and 12 months of age. But you can protect your child’s oral health from birth.

Don’t put your little one to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, sweetened water, or sugar-laden drinks that can promote tooth decay.

Breastfeeding during your child’s first year may reduce their risk of future tooth decay by 50%.

Wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after meals.

Once you see teeth come in, brush gently with a soft baby toothbrush and rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Visit the pediatric dentist between ages 6 months and 1 year, or when your child’s first tooth appears. Take them back as often as the dentist recommends – usually once every six months.

At age 3, brush teeth twice a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice until age 3. Then brush with a pea-sized drop of toothpaste.

Feed your child a healthy diet. Think fruits and veggies instead of sugary cookies and candy. Avoid gummy candies or sugary juices.

If your child’s tooth is knocked out by a hard fall place the tooth in a cup with saliva or milk. Bring the child to the Emergency Room as soon as possible.