Even at an early age, poor dental health can cause serious problems. As your child begins to develop baby teeth, keeping away from decay is extremely important. Making regular visits to a highly rated dentist is vital as well. The American Dental Association gives the following tips to help curtail dental decay:

• Think about oral health. Sharing saliva is all too common between mother, father and child. Sharing feeding spoons can transfer decay-causing bacteria. To avoid damage, make sure you have good oral health so your child isn’t harmed.
• Wipe down gums. After each feeding, use a damp gauze pad or washcloth on your child’s gums. This should remove plaque and bits of food.
• Brush. Once your child is able to spit and not swallow toothpaste, use a pea-sized amount with fluoride.
• Healthy diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in a balanced meal plan.
• Don’t depend on sippy cups. Encourage your child to drink from a cup after their first birthday.