Won't They Fall Out Anyway?
Strong baby teeth allow children to speak clearly, smile with confidence, and eat food properly to help their bodies grow. Baby teeth also save space for permanent teeth. If a child has cavities, they may lose teeth too soon. Cavities can also be painful, making learning difficult.

Can a Baby Get Cavities?
Babies and toddlers can get cavities as soon as teeth erupt in the mouth. This is usually around 6 months of age.

Cavities occur when germs in the mouth use sugar and starches from food and drinks to make an acid. The acid weakens tooth enamel. After many acid attacks, a cavity (hole) forms in the tooth. Cavities are an infection and can be painful, making it hard for infants and children to learn and develop normally.

It is important for the whole family to have healthy mouths. The germs that cause cavities may be passed to your baby's mouth through saliva-sharing behaviors like sharing a spoon or cleaning off a pacifier in your mouth and then giving it to your baby.

Tips to Care for Your Baby's Teeth

• Before teeth erupt, wipe your baby's gums with a wet washcloth at least once a day
• Once your baby has teeth, brush them with a soft infant-sized toothbrush at least once a day, preferably before bedtime
• Brush children's teeth for them until they are 7 or 8 years old
• Use fluoridated water
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children 2 years of age and older
• Floss your child's teeth that touch each other until the child is 8 or 9 years old
• Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt
• Limit sugar and starchy foods to mealtimes
• If needed, use a bottle of water or a pacifier to put your baby to sleep
• Wean your baby from the bottle by the time they are 1 year old
• Start getting regular checkups with a dentist by the time your baby is 1 year old
• Keep your mouth healthy so cavity-causing germs are not passed to your baby

¿Por qué hay que preocuparse por los dientes de leche? (pdf)