Even though they'll eventually fall out, baby teeth serve important functions. They help children learn to speak properly and serve as spacers in the jaw so permanent teeth have enough room to grown in. Until your child can brush for himself, use a cotton swab or clean wet cloth to gently wipe your child's teeth and gums after every meal. This removes the plaque and bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

Fluoride, one of the greatest dental advances ever, is responsible for the dramatic drop in childhood cavities. While safe for tooth brushing, fluoride should not be swallowed. Ingestion of fluoride toothpaste over long periods of time leads to fluorosis, a condition in which brown spots appear on teeth. Because of this, children who cannot spit out toothpaste should be given fluoride-free toothpaste until they are older.

Mouthwash ingested by small children can be dangerous, even lethal. Mouthwashes contain alcohol that young children cannot tolerate well due to their small size. Some mouthwashes, in fact, are nearly 30% alcohol. Keep mouthwashes out of the sight and reach of children, who often are attracted by the smell and color.

Non-toxic and extremely effective, dental sealants have been recommended by the American Dental Association for twenty years and have been shown to significantly reduce cavities. These clear protective coatings are applied to the teeth in the back of the mouth where nearly 85% of childhood cavities occur. Bacteria feed on food particles, creating acid as a by-product. This acid causes sealants to stop bacteria and food from settling in the pits and grooves of these teeth thereby preventing cavities.