Dr. Robert Hollowell of WakeMed fields a question about dental care for a six-month-old.

Q: Our 6-month old has two teeth. What is the best way to start caring for them? When should we start taking him to the dentist?

A: Every parent needs to start caring for baby’s teeth from the day they erupt. Initially you can use a wet terry cloth bath cloth to clean the teeth and gums. No toothpaste is necessary this young, but it is important to ensure that your baby’s drinking water has enough fluoride. Fluoride will help your baby’s teeth remain strong and most city water has fluoride added, but if you are not on city water it is a good idea to have your water tested at the health department.

Around one year of age every child needs to have seen a dentist and needs to have their teeth brushed with a toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste at least twice a day (after each meal would be even better). It is OK to allow children to start brushing their teeth themselves and then have the parents finish up until they have the dexterity to brush their teeth well for at least two minutes.

Some parents often ask me about toddler toothpaste. Toddler or training toothpaste is simply toothpaste without fluoride and is marketed for children who are not old enough to rinse and spit.

Dentists do not typically recommend toothpaste without fluoride even for the younger set because they need their fluoride. However, toothpaste without fluoride might be OK for children if they are at very low risk for cavities. This is determined on a case by case basis and your dentist can help you determine if your child falls into this category.

Another popular question is how can I get my child to brush their teeth consistently? The best answer is to lead by example. A parent with good dental hygiene will likely have a child who has good dental hygiene. It is also a good idea to make brushing their teeth an expected part of children’s routine. For example, at night we put on our jammies, then we brush our teeth and only then can we read books, watch a video or play with stuffed animals. Most of all stay committed to helping your child develop good dental hygiene habits. Their teeth will last a lifetime.