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Q: When should parents start taking their children to the dentist?
A: Here are some basics for parents to keep in mind. Generally, you should schedule a baby's first appointment with the dentist after his or her first tooth has erupted, which is usually around the ninth month. But laying the groundwork for a healthy mouth can begin before eruption of the first tooth. You can use a damp washcloth to wipe your baby's gums after every meal. It will keep her mouth clean and get her accustomed to someone putting their fingers in her mouth. After the first tooth appears, you can switch to a soft toothbrush.
When you visit the dentist for the first time, ask about how to make sure the baby is getting the proper amount of fluoride. The dentist may recommend that for a child under 2 years old, you use baby tooth-cleaning products instead of fluoride toothpaste. For children age 2 to 8, it's generally recommended that you use no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Up to age 8, your child may not have the dexterity to brush thoroughly in her small mouth, so parental supervision is advised. The purpose of all this is to instill in your child good habits that include brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dentist.
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