Your child's dental health journey should begin even before the first tooth appears. Wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding removes bacteria and gets them accustomed to oral care early on.
The first dental visit should happen by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help identify potential problems, establish a 'dental home', and build positive associations with the dentist — reducing fear later.
For toddlers and preschoolers, use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. By age 3, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Supervise brushing until age 7-8, as children lack the fine motor skills to brush effectively on their own.
Dietary habits matter enormously: avoid putting babies to sleep with milk bottles (causes 'bottle tooth decay'), limit sugary snacks and juices, and encourage water drinking. Sealants applied to permanent molars at age 6-7 can prevent up to 80% of cavities in those teeth.
