In order to ensure good oral health and hygiene, your child's dental care should begin during the first few days after birth. Plaque begins to build from the time of your baby's first feeding.

Teaching your child proper dental care at an early age will lead to a healthier mouth as an adult. Like adults, children should see their dentist at least every six months.

Infant tooth decay, also called baby bottle tooth decay, can destroy the teeth in an infant. Infant tooth decay usually occurs if, during naps or at night, you allow your baby to nurse from a bottle containing formula, milk, fruit juice, or sugar water.

Sucking the thumb is a natural behavior for infants and children aged two to three years, which usually begins before birth or by three months of age.

Thrush is an infection caused by the overgrowth of a common fungus called Candida (can-DEED-uh). Candida is yeast normally found in your child's body, but it can be dangerous if there's an overgrowth in the throat or mouth.

Intense prolonged thrusting of the tongue, or forcing the tongue forward against the front upper teeth, can have adverse effects on the development of your child's teeth or jaw.

Your child's first dental visit should occur within six months of the first tooth eruption, or no later than one year of age. Early examination and regular visits can help deter common dental problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, tooth decay, and prolonged thumbsucking.