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My son has lost his toothless grin. The arrival of those first few pearly whites was a bittersweet moment for me: it was wonderful to know that my son is growing and developing and yet, it was sad to realize how quickly that first year is passing.

Just how do you take care of an infant’s baby teeth? I talked with my pediatrician who assured me that just wiping down the gums, teeth and tongue once a day with wet gauze or a wet, clean washcloth should suffice.

But what about the baby toothbrushes and baby toothpaste that they sell in the stores? It is fine to use a toothbrush, but be sure to replace the brush when the bristles begin to look worn or become loose. Toothpaste isn’t necessary until baby learns to “spit” out the paste. In fact, the American Dental Association doesn’t even recommend using toothpaste with fluoride to brush a child’s teeth until the child is 2. Most dentists recommend making your child’s first appointment when he or she is around 3 years of age.

Tags: baby teeth, teeth, toothbrushes