My 5-month-old daughter is teething, but she hasn't gotten her first tooth yet. How should I care for her teeth when they come in? – Nicole Proper dental care begins before your daughter's first tooth appears. Each day, run a clean, damp washcloth or an infant toothbrush over her gums to clear away harmful bacteria. When her teeth begin to come in, follow these tips: Brush her teeth with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of toothpaste. Talk with your dentist about fluoride. When your baby's teeth touch, you can begin flossing between them. When she's about age 2, start teaching your daughter to spit while brushing. Don't give water to swish and spit because she could swallow toothpaste. Even babies can get tooth decay. Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle can harm a baby's teeth. Sugars from juice, formula, or milk that stay on a baby's teeth for hours can eat away at the enamel (the layer of the tooth that protects against tooth decay). This can lead to "bottle mouth" or "baby bottle tooth decay." When this happens, the front teeth can get discolored, pocked, and pitted. Cavities might form and, in severe cases, the decayed teeth might need to be pulled. When kids are 6 months old, they can switch from a bottle to a sippy cup (with a straw or hard spout). This helps prevent liquid from pooling around a child's teeth. Back to Articles Related Articles Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy Here are the basics about how to care for your child's teeth - and when. Read More Caring for Your Child's Teeth (Video) Good oral health starts even before your child's first tooth comes in. Learn how to instill good habits that will last a lifetime. Read More Teething Tots Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents. Here are the facts on teething, including tips for baby teeth hygiene and relieving pain. Read More Mouth and Teeth Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth. Read More Taking Care of Your Teeth The healthier your teeth are, the happier you look. That's why it's important to take great care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. Learn more. Read More Your Teeth There's much more to a tooth than meets the eye. This article for kids gives you the inside story. Read More What's a Cavity? Cavities are small holes in your teeth that need to be filled. Find out what causes tooth decay and how dentists handle it. Read More Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching) Gnashing and grinding teeth, called bruxism, is common in kids, and often happens during deep sleep or while a child is under stress. Read More First Aid: Teeth Injuries If your child loses a baby tooth, there's no need to replace it. But if a permanent tooth is dislodged, it's a dental emergency. Here's what to do. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.