A toothbrush will remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, with two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. Pediatric dentists are the experts in oral care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

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Primary (or baby) teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, primary teeth aid in normal growth of the jaws and forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

See a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums.

Thumbsucking and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still using a pacifier or sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, behavioral or appliance therapy may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked and learn the proper way to brush your child's teeth. The first dental visit should be scheduled when the first tooth comes in, and no later than by your child's first birthday.

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health needs.

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. For children 0-2-years-old, use a smear of toothpaste; for children between ages 3 and 6 years, use a pea-sized amount. Remember that young children require assistance and do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

Make sure your child has a balanced diet good for general health, growth and development, including fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limit the servings of sugars and starches, including sugar-containing drinks. When you allow these “special treats,” serve them with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack. Ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods and drinks that protect your children's teeth.

Sealants work by filling in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They block food particles from getting stuck in the teeth which prevents cavities from forming. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard made by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

The most important things to do are to remain calm and find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. Hold it or have the child hold it or bite on a soft cloth to keep it in place. If that is not possible, put the tooth in milk and take your child and the tooth immediately to the pediatric dentist.

Very! In fact, X-rays are essential to diagnosing conditions and diseases that can seriously affect a child’s health. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Digital x-rays, filters, lead aprons and high-speed film are among innovations used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.