<p>Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html">cavities</a>. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.</p> <p>For all children, you should:</p><ul> <li>Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.</li> <li>Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks</li> <li>Schedule regular dental check-ups </li> </ul> <p>Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life. </p> <p class="">NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research</p>