BIRTH TO 12 MONTHS
-After feedings, gently brush your baby's gums using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. Or wipe them with a clean washcloth.
-Ask about fluoride. After the first tooth appears, ask your child's doctor if your baby is getting enough fluoride. Many experts recommend using a fluoride-free toothpaste before the age of 2, but check with your child's doctor or dentist first.
-Schedule your baby's well-child visits. During these visits your child's doctor will check your baby's mouth.
-Schedule a dental checkup. If your baby is at high risk for tooth decay, your child's doctor will recommend that your baby see a dentist.
12 TO 24 MONTHS
-Brush your child's teeth two times a day using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. The best times are after breakfast and before bed.
-Limit juice. Make sure your child doesn't drink more than one small cup of juice each day and only at mealtimes.
-Consult with your child's dentist or doctor about sucking habits. Sucking too strongly on a pacifier, a thumb, or fingers can affect the shape of the mouth and how the top and bottom teeth line up. This is called your child's "bite." Ask your child's dentist or doctor to help you look for changes in your child's bite and how to help your child ease out of his sucking habit.
-Take your child for a
24 MONTHS
-Brush your child's teeth two times a day using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. The best times are after breakfast and before bed.
-Use fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child not to swallow it. Use a pea-sized amount or less and smear the paste into the brush bristles. Swallowing too much fluoride can make white or brown spots on your child's adult teeth.
-You can begin flossing your child's teeth as soon as two teeth touch each other. But not all children need their teeth flossed at this age so check with your dentist first.
-Take your child for a dental checkup at least once a year.
— American Academy of Pediatrics
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