Question: My daughter’s teeth have started to come in. When should I start brushing and using toothpaste on her teeth?

Dr. Herman's Answer: To familiarize your baby with brushing, wipe her gums with a moist, soft cloth or piece of gauze after every meal. As soon as the first tooth comes into place, start brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for babies. Use water rather than a fluoride toothpaste until your child is about 2 years of age. Once your child is able to spit, she may be ready to brush her own teeth using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while you supervise. Be sure to have the child spit out the toothpaste. It also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that your child visit a dentist by her 1st birthday.