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early dental health, continued ...Published: March, 2010

Usually the first two teeth appear at 3 to 9 months; your baby may become fussy, and gums may be swollen. Give her a teething ring or something hard to chew on. Teething is a normal growth step with one tooth “erupting” roughly each month. By age 3, all 20 primary teeth should be in place and begin falling out by age 6.
   
As soon as the first teeth begin to appear, use a wet piece of gauze twice daily or a non-fluoride paste. At age 3, use a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for infants. Infants and toddlers cannot brush effectively, so don’t let them swallow excess toothpaste. Watch out for cavities. Use only water at bedtime and after meals. Limit sugars and starches, and don’t forget to gently floss.
   
Call your dentist if you notice bouts of crying, unusual pain, gum inflammation or excessive drooling.
   
By your child’s first birthday, teach her how to drink from a sipping cup, and schedule her first visit with a dentist.

“If possible, both parents should attend; one can focus and listen to the dentist while the other tends to your child,” says Chon. “If both cannot be there, recruit another adult, but no other children.”
   
Chon is a proponent of the Tooth Fairy myth.
   
“I think it’s fun and kids love it,” he says. paulchondds.com

Carol Starcevic is an OC Family magazine intern.