"You should start to brush your baby's teeth as soon as they come into the mouth," says Kaaren Vargas, D.D.S., Ph.D., pediatric dentist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "If you're reluctant to use a toothbrush, then a gauze can be wiped over the surface of the teeth after feedings.

"Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day; however, the most important time is after the final feeding before bed," she says.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child's first visit should be six months after the eruption of the first tooth or no later than age one.

Why is it important to take care of baby teeth?

• Taking a child to the dentist at an early age serves as an opportunity to educate the parent(s) on toothbrushing, brushing positions, frequency of brushing, and healthy snacking.
• The introduction of a child to a dentist at an early age will make them accustomed to the surroundings and visits and lower apprehension.
• If cavities are noted at an early age, many strategies can be used to manage the patient and assess the risk for future disease.
• Some orthodontic concerns can be addressed in the primary dentition which may lessen or eliminate the need for future orthodontics in the permanent dentition.

"There is no rule on how often a child should see a dentist," says Vargas. "It depends on the risk of the child. If the child is at a low risk for decay, then he may need to see the dentist every six months to a year. On the other hand if the child is at a moderate or high risk for caries, then the visits may need to be every three months until the disease is under control. Once habits have been modified, the child may then go back to being seen every six months."

You can help establish good dental habits by teaching your children about flossing their teeth. Vargas says when to start flossing depends on whether there is space between the baby teeth. She suggests that if there is no space, then around age three when all of the baby teeth are in. If the teeth are self cleansing (there is space between the back molars and front teeth), then not until age six or seven when the permanent molars come in.

Vargas says your child's diet is very important in the health of teeth. "Studies have shown that a consistent risk factor is diet, particularly juice intake. Children should avoid sticky carbohydrates and snacks with refined sugar (candy).

"Juice and soda should be limited to consumption at meals. If a child is thirsty, water is an excellent choice. Healthy snacks include fruits (the fruit should not be dried), cheese, milk, nuts, whole grains," Vargas says.