LET'S TALK ABOUT BRUSHING:
Food particles and bacteria form a sticky substance called plaque on teeth. Bacteria in the plaque make acid that eats away the tooth's enamel (hard coating). This causes tooth decay. Brushing keeps plaque from forming. Begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. At first, use water and a piece of cotton gauze. As more teeth come in, use a small toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When the child is old enough to brush on his or her own, watch to be sure it's done right.

DON'T FROGET FLOSSING:
Flossing removes bacteria and plaque that brushing can't reach. Floss your child's teeth daily. When the child is old enough, a floss holder can help him or her floss.

WHAT ABOUT FLUORIDE?
Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger. This helps prevent cavities. Does your community's water have fluoride added to it? If not, ask your dentist whether or not your child should be given fluoride supplements. Your dentist may also apply fluoride to your child's adult teeth at regular checkups.

HELP FROM SEALANTS:
Sealants are a safe, painless, and low-cost way to help protect your child's back teeth from decay. A thin plastic coating is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves on the surface of the teeth.

TOOTH DECAY:
Never let your child sleep with a bottle. Bottle liquids (even milk) that sit in the mouth can quickly cause tooth decay. Don't let your child drink or snack without brushing afterward.

THUMB SUCKING AND PACIFIERS:
Sucking on a thumb or pacifier is common and normal for a baby. But if either habit continues past age 4 or 5, it may lead to tooth or jaw problems. If your child uses a pacifier, an orthopaedic pacifier is best for the teeth and jaws.

WHEN TO CALL THE DENTIST: