When most parents think of a baby's teeth, teething is the first thing that usually comes to mind. Once you get past teething, your little one's teeth need a different kind of care. Toddlerhood means choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste, finding a dentist and incorporating good dental care into your daily routine.

"Although we haven't found a dentist for him yet, we started brushing my 1-year-old son's teeth a few weeks ago," says Matt Kraycar, a dad from Hilton Head Island, S.C. "Before that, when his teeth were still coming in, we used a wet wash cloth to wipe his gums and teeth when he was in the bathtub."

While your toddler is young and learning, you should establish good dental care habits that he can carry throughout his life.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that children should see the dentist by age 1 or when the first teeth start to come through. This helps establish a dental home for your child and lays the foundation for a lifetime of good dental care. And just like you choose a pediatrician for your child's health needs, you should choose a dentist who can care for your child's teeth as he or she grows.

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