Home oral care, like brushing and flossing, are essential to remove the bacteria and plaque that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are three to six years old, then the amount of fluoride toothpaste used should be increased to a pea-size dollop. You will still need to perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing at this point, as young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.