How should I clean my baby's teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.

At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?

"First visit by first birthday" is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age and certainly no later than his/her first birthday.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. He/she should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

When should my child start using toothpaste?

Children may start using fluoride toothpaste at around 24 months of age, but only under direct supervision by a parent. Use only a very small amount of toothpaste (about half the size of a pea) and wipe off the tooth and gums with a washcloth afterwards. If your child likes to brush on their own, let them use fluoride-free toothpaste until they can reliably spit out the toothpaste, usually between ages 3 and 4.

When do first teeth start to erupt?

First teeth start to erupt at about 6 months. The two lower front teeth (central incisors) will usually erupt first, followed shortly by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth appear during the next 18 to 24 months but not necessarily in an orderly sequence from front to back. At 2 to 3 years, all of your child's 20 primary teeth should be present.

How can I help my child through the teething stage?

When your child's primary teeth begin to erupt, it's normal for them to have sore gums. The discomfort can be eased for some children by using a teething biscuit, a piece of toast, or a frozen teething ring. Your pharmacy should also have mediations that can be rubbed on the gums to reduce your child's discomfort.

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