When should I schedule my child's first trip to the dentist?
Should my 3-year-old be flossing? How do I know if my child
needs braces? Many parents have a tough time judging how much
dental care their kids need. They know they want to prevent
cavities, but they don't always know the best way to do so. When
Should Dental Care Start? Proper dental care begins even before
a baby's first tooth appears. Remember that just because you
can't see the teeth doesn't mean they aren't there. Teeth
actually begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. At
birth your baby has 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully
developed in the jaw. Running a damp washcloth over your baby's
gums following feedings can prevent buildup of damaging
bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush
them with a soft child's toothbrush or rub them with gauze at
the end of the day. Even babies can have problems with dental
decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits. Putting
a baby to sleep with a bottle in h