Dental Health

Thoroughly cleaning your infant’s gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food debris.
Gently brushing your baby’s erupted teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and using a wipe of fluoridated toothpaste.
Teaching your child at age 2 or 3 about proper brushing techniques and later teaching them brushing and gentle flossing at about 7 or 8 years of age.
Regular visits with their dentist to check for cavities in the primary teeth and for possible developmental problems, as early as age 1 (as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
Encouraging your child to discuss any fears they may have about oral health visits, but not mentioning words like “pain” or “hurt,” since this may instill the possibility of pain in the child’s thought process.
Determining if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated; if not, discussing supplement options with your dentist or hygienist.
Asking your hygienist or dentist about sealant applications to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth and about nursing bottle or “sippy cup” tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugared liquids.