Kids have the cutest smiles. They start out with adorable gummy grins and move on to full teeth-baring expressions of joy. And all those baby teeth seem so sparkly and white.  Well, it turns out that even before children get their first teeth around the six-month mark, infant oral care is important.

Did you know that tooth decay in babies, also called early childhood caries, nursing caries or baby bottle tooth decay, is the most common childhood infectious disease? It seems like teeth that eventually fall out and are replaced by adult versions wouldn’t be so important, but early tooth decay can have negative oral impacts that carry into adulthood. Disregarding tooth decay can have other detrimental consequences such as pain, costly treatments and life-threatening infections.

Tooth decay in youngsters is the result of acid-causing bacteria. Since babies tend to put their mouths on anything, it’s easy for them to pick up germs on common items. It’s also relatively common for caregivers to pass bacteria to babies by testing food before giving it to them or by cleaning off a pacifier in their mouth before returning it to the child. When babies consume any food or beverages other than water for long periods throughout the day, they are exposed to sugars that can be changed into acids. The acids then erode the teeth. These sugars may be natural or added, but the end results are the same.

Be sure to avoid giving a child a bottle of formula, milk, juice or soda when putting him or her to bed. This is the most common way for tooth decay to begin. Parents can identify the signs of tooth decay if they notice white spots on the gums. These spots are often hard to see, however, so it may require a trip to the dentist’s office to properly diagnosis (and eventually treat) the problem.

Parents can also expect teething to be an issue for babies between three and nine months old. While teething jewelry is not recommended, as it is a choking and/or suffocation hazard, there are other ways to help ease this process. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends easing teething pain by gently rubbing the baby’s gums with your finger or giving the child a teething ring made of firm rubber. The rubber option is unlikely to break like the jewelry with beads. One thing you will want to avoid is using creams or ointments on children under two years of age, as they can have life-threatening side effects.

After the teething phase, the first teeth begin to emerge. This is an important time. Parents will want to clean and care for baby teeth right away. Colgate.com offers the following tips for cleaning baby’s mouth:

• Lay your infant in your lap. The head should be close to your chest so you can look down directly into your child’s mouth.
• Clean the gums and the teeth — when they arrive — by rubbing a clean, damp, wash cloth along the baby’s upper and lower gums. You can also use terrycloth finger cots, which fit over the finger and are made for this purpose.
• Follow these steps at least twice a day — once after breakfast and once after the last feeding of the day.
• When the teeth begin to erupt, start brushing them at least two to three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches age two. At that time, supervise brushing to ensure that your child does not swallow any toothpaste.

You’ll also want to get your child into the dentist before the first birthday. The dentist can help you prevent problems before they start. Because treating baby tooth decay and other issues can be costly, it’s best to get a jump start on proper oral care. The dentist can also give tips and tricks to help establish brushing and oral care routines from the beginning. He or she will also be happy to answer any questions you have about preventing future problems.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the best way to supplement good dental habits. They’re important for the whole family. To find out the latest and best information about your family’s specific needs, talk to your dentist. A professional can help you determine what procedures to schedule and how to maintain good oral health outside the office.