Proper dental care for infants begins with the appearance of the first tooth, and it is important to clean gums even before teeth emerge. Care guidelines include using a clean washcloth, a fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, and supervising brushing to prevent swallowing toothpaste. Additionally, avoiding prolonged bottle feeding can prevent tooth decay known as 'bottle mouth' and promoting the use of sippy cups around six months can help protect the teeth.

1. The best dental care starts when the baby's first tooth is visible. Even if you don't see your teeth
does not mean that they're not present. Teeth start to form in the second-trimester pregnancy.
When your baby is born, he will have 20 main teeth. a few of that are fully developed inside the
jaw.
Here's how and when to take care of those tiny choppers:
● Even before your baby begins teething, place a dry, clean washcloth over your gums to
eliminate harmful bacteria.
● When your baby starts to get teeth, make sure to clean them with an infant toothbrush.
Make use of water and a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride (about the same size
as one grain of rice). Choose a fluoride toothpaste that is endorsed by an American
Dental Association's (ADA) certification of acceptance. (If you're using baby toothpaste
that does not contain fluoride, use the same amount since you want to limit the amount of
toothpaste consumed.)
● When your baby's teeth meet and you're able to floss between them.
● By the time they reach age two, your child should be able to spit while brushing. Do not
give children water that they can splash and spit in, as this could increase the likelihood
of swallowing toothpaste.
● Ages 3 and above should only use a small quantity of toothpaste with fluoride.
● Be sure to supervise children younger than 8 when brushing, because they're most likely
to take toothpaste in their mouths.
Even babies can get tooth decay. Sleeping a baby using a bottle may cause harm to the baby's
teeth. Sugars from formula, juice or milk that sit on the baby's teeth for long periods of time can
be detrimental to the enamel (the layer of the tooth which protects from tooth decay).
This can cause "bottle mouth" or "baby bottle tooth decay." If this occurs the front teeth could
become discolored, pocked and even pitted. Cavities may form and, in extreme cases, the teeth
that are decayed may require extraction.
When children reach 6 months old, they can change between a bottle and sippy cups (with
straws or a pour). This will prevent liquid from pooling around a child's teeth. At the age of their
first birthday, they'll be able to use their ability to control their motor skills and use the cup
independently.