Many dental professionals blame a lax attitude toward tooth cleaning and the increased popularity of sugary drinks and snacks. They add that many parents think that since baby teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth, the early teeth don’t need as much care.

But that thinking is faulty. A decayed baby tooth can cause pain for years unless it’s treated; after all, the last baby teeth aren’t replaced until about 12 years of age. The American Dental Association (www.ada.org) adds that tooth decay in baby teeth tends to predict tooth decay and orthodontal problems in permanent teeth.

Help your kids start good dental health habits early.

Even before your child’s first tooth has erupted, make it a habit to run a clean, wet washrag over the gums. To clean a toddler’s teeth, use a gauze pad or rubber brush that fits over your fingertip.

Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula or fruit juice. Avoid filling your baby’s bottle with sweet liquids like soft drinks or sugar water.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) suggests taking your child to a dentist by the age of one to check for decay and start a good habit of regular visits.

Once your child can handle a toothbrush well (about 6 or 7 years old), remind him or her to brush and floss regularly. The new floss-on-a-sticks make flossing much easier.

Encourage healthy snacking and avoid sticky, sugary foods.

Say Cheese
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org) reports that one of the healthiest snacks for your kid’s choppers is cheese. Take your pick of Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss and Monterey Jack. They all provide calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth while stimulating the salivary glands to rinse the mouth.