Baby teeth usually emerge around six months of age. Brushing and flossing aren't required for infants. However, infants have special oral health needs and every new parent should know about guarding against baby bottle decay. Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent exposure, over time, to liquids containing sugars. These include milk, formula, and fruit juices. The sugary liquids pool around the teeth for long periods of time as your baby sleeps, leading to cavities that first develop in the upper and lower front teeth. For this reason, you shouldn't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk in his mouth. Instead, at naptime, give your child a bottle filled with water or a pacifier recommended by your dentist. If you breast-feed, avoid letting the baby nurse continuously. And after each feeding, wipe your baby's teeth and gums with a clean, damp washcloth or a gauze pad.

Use a small, soft-bristled brush. Use a circular or wiggling motion on all tooth surfaces, especially where the tooth meets the gumline. Once your toddler is able to spit out, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. Families should ask their dentist to demonstrate proper toothbrushing during the child's dental visit.

Thumbsucking is normal for infants; most stop on their own by age 2. If your child sucks his/her thumb beyond age 2, try to discourage it by age 4 Thumbsucking beyond age 4 can lead to crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems

The best way for teens to enjoy a nice smile and healthy teeth is to continue the good oral habits started early in childhood. Whether or not you wear braces or other orthodontic treatment, it is important to: Brush twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline. If plaque is not removed daily, it can harden into tartar—an unsightly, hard yellow build-up. Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks. Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Thorough cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains. Internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned). While each of these methods is safe and effective, your dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.

Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births. Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. The best advice to women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a checkup and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant.During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums need special attention. Regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth clean, especially near the gumline, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy.

Yes, medications can have oral side effects — dry mouth being the most common. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications that you're taking, even medicines that you purchase without a prescription. These are the types of medications that will often produce dry mouth: Antihistamines Decongestants Pain Killers Diuretics High Blood Pressure Medications Antidepressants Other medications may cause abnormal bleeding when brushing or flossing, inflamed or ulcerated tissues, mouth burning, numbness or tingling, movement disorders and taste alteration. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your dentist or physician.

As with any trauma to the mouth, you should consult with your dentist immediately to determine if treatment is required. The dentist will examine the affected area and may take X-rays. If you are in pain from a broken, cracked or chipped tooth, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If possible, keep any part of the tooth that has broken off and take this with you to the dentist. If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth by an injury, take the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. It is important not to let the tooth dry out while getting to the dentist. The tooth should either be stored in milk or placed inside your mouth between the teeth and cheek. It may be possible for your tooth to be placed back into your mouth, a procedure called reimplantation.