What are a few of the most basic tips you give to parents about dental health for children? Dental problems can begin early. They may begin infancy. Detecting conditions early such as bottle tooth decay, teething problems, gum boils or irritations, and prolonged thumb sucking can help prevent issues that may be difficult to treat as the child gets older. You should avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle unless the bottle has water. When should a child's first visit to the dentist be? The American Dental Association recommends that you bring your child to the dentist by his or her first birthday. Generally, this is when the first tooth comes in. Early examination and preventative care will help protect your child's overall dental health now and in the future. How often should children - and adults - go to the dentist thereafter? Children and adults should be seen semi-annually (every six months) for dental examinations and cleanings. This will help ensure overall dental health. What is the proper way to brush and floss your teeth? Since everyone's teeth are different, see your dentist first before choosing a brushing technique. Here are a couple of some popular techniques that work: Use a circular motion to brush only two or three teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth. Place your toothbrush next to your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion - not up and down. This kind of motion wears down your tooth structure and can lead to receding gums, or expose the root of your tooth. You should brush all surfaces of your teeth - front, back, top, and between other teeth, rocking the brush back and forth gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum. Don't forget the other surfaces of your mouth that are covered in bacteria - including the gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and most importantly, your tongue. Brushing your tongue not only removes trapped bacteria and other disease-causing germs, but it also prevents halitosis. Remember to replace your brush when the bristles begin to wear because a worn toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth. Effective brushing usually takes about three minutes. How do you take care of babies gums, and then their first teeth once they come in? As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft bristled toothbrush and a pellet-size dab of toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out - not swallow - excess toothpaste after brushing. Also, avoid using a fluoridated toothpaste on your child until he reaches the age of two. How often should you brush? Most dentist agree that brushing three times a day is the minimum; if you use a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night, you can get away without using toothpaste during the middle of the day. By brushing with plain water or rinsing your mouth with plain water for 30 seconds after lunch will generally do the job if you do not have time to thoroughly brush during the day, but brush if you can! How can I recognize a cavity? Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids. These foods may include carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as candy and cookies, and starchy foods such as bread, crackers, and cereals. Tooth decay occurs when plaque remains on your teeth for an extended period of time, allowing the bacteria to "eat away" at the surfaces of your teeth. Ironically, the areas surrounded restored portions of teeth (where fillings or amalgams have been placed) are particularly vulnerable to decay and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Plaque can lead to gum irritation, soreness, and redness. Sometimes, your gums may begin to bleed as a result of plaque. This gradual degeneration can often cause gums to pull away from teeth. This condition is called receding gums. Long-term, plaque can lead to serious problems. Sometimes, the bacteria can form packets of disease around tooth structures, eventually destroying the bone beneath the tooth. Periodontal disease is a condition in which the structures that support the teeth, such as the gums and bone surrounding each tooth, become infected and begin to break down. Many dentist believe that periodontal disease (also known as "periodontitis") is influenced by the body's response to infection caused by the bacteria in plaque. How can smoking and tobacco effect teeth? Smoking and tobacco use are detrimental to the delicate gingival tissues of the mouth by causing irritation and inflammation as well as receding gum lines. Chronic use of tobacco may also lead to cancerous conditions in the oral cavity. What is your best advice for healthy smiles for the whole family? My advice to families would be that they seek dental care for their entire family and know that prevention is the key. Many dental programs can be totally prevented by employing good oral hygiene at home as well as regularly scheduled dental appointments with their dentist. This will help ensure the optimum dental health for you and your family. Always remember you are what you eat... so eat healthy and see your dentist on a regular schedule to maintain a fantastic smile.