When assessing a child's early growth and development, parents should be mindful of dental health—something that can significantly impact whether their child will develop cavities or gum disease. Establishing good oral and tooth care (brushing and flossing) is essential to helping your child prevent plaque buildup, and practicing oral care at a young age can help establish a lifetime of good habits.

For children (and adults), plaque is the number one challenge to healthy teeth and gums. A sticky, transparent substance made of bacteria (germs), plaque can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and if left untreated, they can lead to problems related to eating, talking, and learning. Further, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums and possible tooth loss.

The good news is that cavities are preventable, especially with fluoride. A mineral found in the soil and water, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel (the hard outer covering of the teeth). Fluoride varnish has been shown to prevent one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary or baby teeth. Children living in communities that use fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children without water. Children who brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste will also have fewer cavities. (Note: For children younger than 2 years, parents should first consult with a doctor or dentist before using fluoride toothpaste.)

But even before the first tooth arrives, parents should keep their child's gums clean with a clean, damp washcloth rubbed over the gums after feeding. When children start developing teeth, dental care can gradually increase as they age. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• When teeth start coming in, you can begin brushing your child's teeth twice daily with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
• Teach and help your child brush their teeth until they master their own good brushing skills. For children under six years old, watch them brush and make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Always teach your child to spit out toothpaste after brushing (rather than swallowing).
• Ask your dentist or doctor about applying fluoride varnish to help prevent tooth decay when the first tooth appears. Fluoride varnish treatments can be done 2 to 4 times per year with the number of treatments depending on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity.  
• Ask your child's dentist about using dental sealants—thin plastic coatings that prevent tooth decay by filling in the pits and grooves on teeth' chewing surfaces. Sealants have been shown to avoid up to 80% of cavities for two years and protect a child's teeth against 50% for up to four years.

The first trip to the dentist

Experts say a child should have their first visit to a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming in (or by their first birthday). In most cases, those first visits will allow you to have your baby seated on your lap so the dentist can perform a short exam. By having a child go to the dentist at a young age, problems can be identified and treated early—and your baby will get used to having regular dental checkups.

As your child grows older, they should visit the dentist regularly—usually once a year. Dental checkups will then include a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist and a dental exam to assess the health of your child's teeth and gums.

Your dentist may also recommend X-rays to examine the inside of the teeth and check for decay or other procedures, such as fluoride treatment or dental sealants.

No matter your child's age, do not hesitate to call your doctor or dentist for appropriate care if your child has noticeable tooth or gum issues, such as a broken tooth, dark or light spots on their teeth, or if a tooth falls out due to injury.