Baby teeth are important! Parents/caregivers' oral health affects baby's oral health. Parents/caregivers should obtain regular dental checkup and get treatment if necessary. Schedule child's first dental appointment by age one. Use of fluorides, including tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay. Oral Health and Hygiene Encourage parents/caregivers to obtain dental check-up and, if necessary, treatment before birth of baby to reduce cavity-causing bacteria that can be passed to the baby. Encourage parents/caregivers to brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Oral Development Describe primary tooth eruption patterns (first tooth usually erupts between 6-10 months old). Emphasize importance of baby teeth for chewing, speaking, jaw development and self-esteem. Fluoride Adequacy Evaluate fluoride status in residential water supply. Review topical and systemic sources of fluoride. Encourage mother to drink fluoridated tap water. Oral Habits Encourage mother to stop smoking Diet and Nutrition Emphasize eating a healthy diet and limiting number of exposures to sugar snacks and drinks. Emphasize that it is the frequency of exposures, not the amount of sugar that affects susceptibility to caries. Encourage breastfeeding. Remind parents/caregivers never to put baby to bed with a bottle with anything other than water in it or to allow feeding ‘at will’. Injury Prevention Encourage child-proofing of home including electrical cord safety and poison control. Emphasize use of properly secured car seat. Encourage caregivers to keep emergency numbers handy.