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Baby Teeth Deserve Grown-up Care Drill good dental habits into your child -- and start young Baby teeth don't last forever, but they need just as much cleaning and care as adult teeth, dentists say. Neglecting them can cause cavities and lifelong dental trouble. One in five children has tooth decay by age 3, says the American Dental Association (ADA). That can affect permanent teeth, adds pediatric dentist David Sumikawa, D.D.S. "Baby teeth directly influence the permanent teeth that are developing below the gums," he says. Failure to keep them healthy can lead to costly dental work later. Even before the first tooth appears, get babies used to having their gums cleaned by running a wet washcloth or a finger brush in their mouths. Once that first tooth comes in, pay even closer attention. "Newly erupted baby teeth may be at higher risk of developing decay," says Dr. Sumikawa. "In addition, these teeth must last long past infancy. Some of these teeth need to stay in the child's mouth up until the age of 12." David Sumikawa, D.D.S. Dr. Sumikawa offers the following guide to protect your children's teeth: Clean your infant's teeth with a child-sized toothbrush and a little water. Under the direction of a dentist, add a pea-sized dab of toothpaste to the brush once the child is 2 years old and able to spit out the paste without swallowing it. Flossing can start anytime teeth are close to or touching each other. Once the teeth begin to erupt, don't put a child to bed with a bottle filled with anything but water. Even milk has sugar. Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday. Extended use of a bottle can increase the risk for tooth decay. Let children start using a toothbrush as soon as they have the dexterity to do so. Show them how to use it. After children brush, go over their teeth again more thoroughly, up through age 6. Serve breakfast. A study in The Journal of the American Dental Association found children who skip breakfast have more tooth decay, mainly because they snack more. Watch your child's diet. Tooth decay is more common among kids who don't eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Limit breads, pastas, sugary snacks, and sweet drinks. Try to finish meals with a little sip of water if possible. Take children for their first dental visit within six months after the first tooth comes in. Learn if your health insurance covers kids' dental care. Many parents don't know they have coverage, so they don't use it.