Dental exams

Your child's primary (baby) teeth will start to come in around 6 months old. He should have his full set of baby teeth by age 3.

Around age 6, the first of the baby teeth will start to fall out and the permanent (adult) teeth will start to come in.

The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child to the dentist as soon as the first baby tooth appears. Start dental well checkups no later than his third birthday.

Other tips for making sure your child's teeth and gums are healthy include the following.

• Start "brushing" your baby's teeth when his first tooth appears. Wipe her gums with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in, use a small, soft toothbrush.
• Start to floss your child's teeth as soon as two teeth come in next to each other.
• Do not put milk, formula, juices or other sugary drinks in your baby's bottle at bedtime or naptime. If your baby needs a bottle, give him water. As your baby sleeps, and his mouth saliva is reduced, the sugary drinks increase the risk of tooth decay.

Tip

When your child's first tooth comes in, you can buy a baby-sized toothbrush (with plastic bristles).

Let your child put it in his mouth to start getting used to idea of brushing. The toothbrush may also feel good on his gums, especially if other teeth are about to come in (erupt).

• Use toothpaste when your child turns 2 years old. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure your child spits it out, not swallows it. Swallowing too much toothpaste with fluoride can cause white spots on the permanent teeth.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day until he can handle the toothbrush alone (around age 6 to 7).
• Talk with your child's dentist about fluoride treatments. Tell the dentist if you have well water.
• Take your child to the dentist for well checkups every six months.
• Give your child regular, healthful meals and limit snacking between meals. Offer healthful snacks.
• If your child is in sports (such as hockey), make sure he wears a proper mouth guard.