Take the following steps to prevent baby tooth decay:

• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad.
• Begin brushing your child’s teeth after the first tooth erupts. Be sure to clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless.
• Begin flossing when all the primary teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2½.
• Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. Give your child a clean pacifier.
• If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, ask our dentist how your child should get it.
• Start periodic dental visits by the child’s first birthday. If you think that your child has dental problems, contact us as soon as possible.