Dental care starts earlier than you might think. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it begins in the womb.

Pregnant women can maximize their children's dental health by eating a proper diet. Getting enough protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and D is important for tooth development, which occurs between the third and sixth months of pregnancy.

"Moms-to-be have been schooled to eat right and avoid tobacco products and alcohol while pregnant to reduce the risk of birth defects and illnesses," said Dr. Kimberly Harms, a general dentist from the Minneapolis area and ADA consumer advisor. "Focusing on healthy behaviors will also help protect the newborn infant's oral health and ensure the child's teeth develop correctly."

If the outer surface of the tooth — called the enamel — does not develop properly in the womb, the child can be at higher risk for tooth decay later in life.

Once a child is born, many parents wait until teeth appear before caring for the child's mouth. But the ADA recommends wiping an infant's gums with clean gauze after each feeding to control the growth of bacteria.

Once the first tooth comes in, often by six months of age, parents should begin brushing their child's teeth, but without toothpaste. Toothpaste may be used after the child turns two, but only a small amount — about the size of a green pea — should be used. Swallowing too much fluoridated toothpaste could lead to fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that causes spots and streaks on the teeth.

"The first year is crucial for both parent and child," said Dr. Harms. "The ADA recommends parents take their child to the dentist within six months of eruption of the first tooth, and no later than 12 months of age, so that the dentist can evaluate the child's oral health status and provide preventive oral health education for parents."

February marks the 53rd Annual National Children's Dental Health Month celebration, the only national children's dental health promotion recognized by the ADA.