Pearly Whites: Caring for Your Baby's TeethBy Lee MagillIt's easy to think that you don't need to care for baby teeth when you know they're going to be replaced by adult teeth down the road. But since like the rest of us, babies are creatures of habit, you'll be doing her a big favor by instituting the oral-care ritual as early as possible. Besides, those milk teeth are useful - you don't want your preschooler to lose them to decay. Gum Massage Massaging your infant's gum with a clean finger or gauze after a feeding will help wipe away the bacteria that even milk can cause. Plus, it'll feel good to your baby, especially if she's teething.Brushing Even if he's only got one tooth, it's a good idea to start brushing it. Plaque - the invisible film produced by bacteria - forms along the gum line, so you need to get at every side of the tooth with an ultrasoft toothbrush and water, working gently and in a circular motion. Wait until age three, when your child can spit, to use toothpaste.FlossingFlossing is recommended as soon as your child has two teeth growing side by side. Dentist VisitsThe American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that babies visit a dentist before the age of one or within six months of the first tooth eruption. Sweet DrinksThough cavities are on the decline in the overall population, tooth decay has increased among children ages 2 to 5, mainly due to sippy cups filled with sugary drinks. Even milk has sugars that feed bacteria, so don't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, and limit sippy cup drinks to water as much as possible.