She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Parents should start brushing their children's teeth as soon as they appear in their mouth. It is also a good idea to use a clean finger or damp cloth to wipe a child's gums before teeth even appear. Flossing should be started after two teeth have erupted next to each other to prevent cavities between these teeth. Flossing is especially important for the molars as they are generally closer to each other than the front teeth.
Oral hygiene becomes more important for children who drink a lot of juices and eat more sweet items.
Milk and juice during the day are fine if you are brushing your son's teeth 2-3 times per day. Do not send your son to bed with a bottle of anything other than water. As long as teeth are present, tooth decay is a concern. Sometimes brushing and flossing a child's teeth can be a battle of wills. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment.