1. A child’s first visit to the dentist should be at 12 months of age and will cover the following:

• Complete a tooth decay risk assessment
• Familiarize the child with the dentists
• Initiate a preventive dental program
• Council the parents about infant dental nutrition, precautions and oral hygiene

2. Begin cleaning your child’s new teeth as they erupt around 6-7 months of age with a moist cloth or an infant toothbrush. At 16 months of age use a soft toothbrush.

3. Brush young children’s teeth using the “Back and Forth” technique, concentrating on brushing along the gum line.

4. Only use half a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste beginning at 18 months of age and a pea-size amount between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.

5. Expect permanent teeth to start appearing around 5 to 6 years of age.