Harrisburg, PA - It's never too early to begin preventive care that can protect your child's oral health. To ensure that your child enjoys healthy smiles throughout childhood and beyond, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) encourages parents to become familiar with proper oral hygiene techniques and implement them as early as possible.

Baby teeth will begin to appear typically around six months of age. Some babies may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing your child's gum with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. Your PDA member dentist or a pediatrician may recommend a clean pacifier, teething ring or a special "numbing" salve for the gums.

After the teeth begin to erupt, parents should brush them with a very soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of water to prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches two years of age. At that time, supervise brushing to ensure that your child does not swallow the toothpaste.

From the time these first teeth erupt a child is susceptible to tooth decay. This condition is often called early childhood caries (cavities) or baby bottle tooth decay. It is caused by prolonged exposure of infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar, such as milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. Remember, it is not just what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay- producing acids. It is important to only put water in your child's naptime or bedtime bottle so harmful sugary liquids will not harm the teeth during sleep. It also helps to wipe your baby's gums and teeth with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding.

Children should be encouraged to drink from a cup rather than a bottle as they approach their first birthday. The American Dental Association recommends parents take their children to the dentist by the child's first birthday. The dentist will demonstrate how to properly care for your child's teeth, evaluate any adverse habits and identify your child's fluoride needs.