|Chipped or knocked out teeth Rough play or accidents can chip
or knock out your child's baby or permanent teeth. Whenever a
tooth is damaged, it's a good idea to see a dentist as quickly
as possible. |Nursing bottle decay Your child's teeth can
develop cavities as soon as they come in, if proper care isn't
taken. Nursing bottle caries (care-ees), or cavities, can form
when a child falls asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or
juice still in the mouth. |Proper brushing and flossing Proper
oral hygiene (high-jeen) begins after your child's first
feeding, and continues for a life time. While an infant doesn't
have teeth at first, keeping the gums and mouth clean will
contribute to good oral health. When an infant or toddler is
teething, there can be varying degrees of discomfort. Painful,
swollen gums are common, as are bouts of diarrhea, irritability,
and restlessness. Some children learn to comfort themselves by
sucking their thumb, while others prefer a pacifier or a non-
oral method. Thumb and finger sucki