If you’re looking for information on dental care basics for your children from birth to 6 years, you’re reading the right article. Teeth start to come in around the age of 6 months, and the ADA recommends that children visit a dentist at that time to check them out. These teeth help them chew food and speak clearly and will shape your baby’s face as she progresses into adult teeth and an adult face.

If your baby is teething, offer a cold, firm, safe teething object like a teething ring or chilled (even slightly frozen) washcloth. You can rub the gums gently with your clean finger, but it’s very important to get started with oral health as early as possible. 

As soon as teeth come in, it’s important to begin cleaning and brushing. You can gently clean the teeth and gums with a small soft toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth with a very small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a kernel of corn.)

If you give your baby a bottle at bedtime or naps, do not give her juice (and NEVER give her soda pop!) Only give her water, preferably fluoridated tap water. Sweet liquids can cause decay if left in your baby’s mouth while sleeping, and very often do.

Ask your dentist or doctor about fluoride drops when your baby is 6 months old, but make sure that your baby’s mouth is fully checked out by a dentist by age 1. The pediatrician may be a great doctor but can’t possibly take the place of an actual dentist. Take your baby in for a checkup even sooner if you notice a problem.

As your kids get older, brush their teeth at least twice a day and always at bedtime, but ideally after each meal and snack. Use a small, soft toothbrush (despite popular belief, harder bristles aren’t always better!) and a very small amount of toothpaste with fluoride (again, about the size of a kernel of corn.) 

Brush for at least two minutes, maybe even making a game or singing a song to keep the time long enough, and brush every surface of every tooth AND THE TONGUE. Don’t forget to replace the toothbrush at least every three to four months or if your child gets really sick. Your child’s toothbrush can harbor bacteria that will reinfect them. They’re more expensive than ever, but the couple bucks it costs is nothing compared to the savings in pain, suffering, germs and real dental dollars you could sacrifice by failing to buy a new toothbrush.

Lift your child’s lips to get a good look at all of the teeth when you’re brushing. If you see white or brown spots on your child’s teeth, contact your dentist right away, because that is a very real sign of potentially serious problems.

When you think your child is ready, let him or her practice brushing their own teeth. They can start as young as two or three years old, but you’ll still need to give them a serious, thorough final brushing at such a young age. You should still brush your child’s teeth thoroughly yourself at least once per day until your child is at least 6 to 8 years old.

Take your child to the dentist AT LEAST once per year. 

What causes tooth decay?

Germs cause cavities, and germs can be kept to a minimum with regular brushing and frequent checkups. Germs can be spread from parent to child and tooth to tooth. Food and drinks feed these germs that are hiding in the tiny grooves of their teeth. The byproduct (waste) of these germs is acid, which is the direct cause of cavities and decay, but fortunately, tooth decay can be stopped dead in its tracks if it’s caught early enough.

Try to be a role model for your kids. Brush and floss regularly, and bring them (and yourself!) in for regular checkups. Your dentist may suggest treatments to further help your child, such as fluoride pastes (if your water is not fluoridated), fluoride varnish (painted on the smooth surfaces of teeth), or sealants (liquid plastic painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.)