Parents have the responsibility to protect their children and should set a good example by creating a good environment and educating their children to develop good hygiene habits. For example, protect your child from “bottle caries” after birth. Do not let your child fall asleep with a bottle in his mouth. Give your child water between meals and when he/she is thirsty, avoid giving him/her juice or soft drinks. 1. Use a toothbrush and floss early and make it fun: Let your baby play with the toothbrush before and after brushing. If your baby finds brushing and flossing fun, he will work better with you. Brushing takes about two minutes and should be done by the parent for the child or watched until the age of five. After the age of five, parental supervision of brushing is still important to ensure that teeth are adequately cleaned. 2. Avoid sugary snacks and sticky foods:There are natural flora in the mouth, and when encountering sugar, the bacteria begin to produce acids that break down the surface of the teeth and lead to tooth decay. Eating sugar frequently or for a long time will aggravate this evil. Common sources of sugar are: candy, soda, juice and even breast milk. It is important not to feed your child with these sugary drinks in a bottle all day long. 3. Keep your child’s mouth clean: Brush and floss with a child’s toothbrush after meals. Don’t use too much toothpaste and make sure your child doesn’t swallow it. If you’re on the go and don’t have a toothbrush handy, have your child drink some water, which helps dilute sugar and helps clean teeth. 4. Encourage your child to drink from a cup at age one: When your child is thirsty, encourage them to drink water. This will not only benefit their teeth, but will also promote healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Teach your child good eating habits: Eat a balanced diet and limit starchy or sugary foods, such as chips, candy and carbonated beverages. If these foods are to be eaten, include them in regular meals rather than taking them as a snack between meals. When eating a regular meal, more saliva is produced, which will help flush these sugary foods from the mouth. 5. Visit your pediatric dentist regularly Professional dentists can help educate, encourage and motivate you. They can also spot dental problems when they first appear and deal with them before they develop beyond repair. Good habits and healthy teeth will give your baby a bigger smile and a stronger body.