Teeth can last a lifetime with the proper care. And practicing healthy habits begins in the pre-teen years.

Teaching your children the basics of dental care begins as early as three years of age. Among some of the basic practices include:

• daily brushing
• flossing
• flouride (in touthpaste or mutlivitamins)
• monitor and reduce sugar intake
• sports guard for athletic activities

Dentistry for kids under two years of age

Dr. Judd recommends caring for baby teeth just as you would for permanent adult teeth. Baby teeth help prevent spacing problems. Otherwise, permanent teeth could become malaligned.

What other things should parents consider for infant or baby tooth care?

Start brushing or rubbing gum lines once or twice a day. This gets your child used the act of brushing and keeps their mouths sanitary. Do not use floridated toothpaste until your child can spit out the toothpaste residue.

Also, Doctor Judd recommends against putting your child to bed with a feeding bottle. Fluid can create "bottle rot" for young teeth.

Got a question on kid's tooth care? Ask Dr. Judd:

Related sites 

National Museum of Dentistry site for kids

http://www.mouthpower.org/mouthpower.cfm

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