It’s never too early to begin good oral health practices. Here are the first steps you can take to give your baby a lifetime of healthy teeth.

•Start cleaning your baby’s mouth a few days after birth.

•After every feeding, wipe baby’s gums with a damp washcloth to remove plaque.

•When teeth appear, clean them with a soft-bristled brush and warm water.

•By age three your child can brush his or her own teeth, with parental supervision, using a soft children’s toothbrush with a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Take turns brushing to ensure teeth are being properly cared for.

•Avoid baby bottle tooth decay. Don’t let your baby fall asleep while sucking a milk- or juice-filled bottle. Put only water in bedtime bottles.

•Fluoride helps fight cavities. NJ water is not fluoridated. If you live in NJ, we suggest that you speak with Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Joseph, or your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.