Baby Teeth Basics

Many parents and caregivers wonder when they should take their child to see a dentist for the first time. In the January 2008 issue of Parents magazine, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry explained the importance of baby teeth, flossing and proper sippy cup usage adults should know when it comes to children’s oral health care. AAPD Immediate Past-President Dr. Philip Hunke described how creativity helps children learn the important steps in building a healthy smile and body:

“Letting your child play with the brush for a while makes it seem like a game to her, so she’s more willing to let you take over,” says Philip Hunke, DDS, president of the AAPD. Aim to spend a full minute cleaning the inside and outside surfaces of her teeth and gums.