How should I care for my baby's teeth?

Clean your baby's gums after every meal by wiping them with a damp rag or cloth. This step will remove bacteria and food particles from the gums.Once teeth start to develop, place a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a damp rag or cloth, and gently clean your baby's teeth.Don't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Babies who sleep with a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice, or other drink can develop severe tooth decay. If you must put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it with cool water.Is fluoride safe for my child?Yes, fluoride is safe for children. Fluoride protects the teeth and using it early will provide extra protection for developing teeth. Find out if your tap water contains fluoride by calling your local water authority. If your tap water does not contain fluoride, ask your doctor to order fluoride drops for your infant.