Parents who want to prevent their children needing emergency dentistry should promote good oral health from birth, an expert has claimed.
Dr Sam Winter suggested that brushing an infant's gums before the initial development of their teeth will ensure they are used to the feeling, the Ottawa Citizen reports.
As well as promoting good oral health in young children, cleaning the teeth as soon as they become visible will reduce the risk of tooth decay caused by sugary liquids.
Vancouver-based dentist Dr Winter advised parents to ensure their child does not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water in its mouth.
With the movement of saliva slowing down while a baby is sleeping, a coating of milk or juice on the teeth during the night could lead to decay, the expert told the newspaper.
Baby Centre advises parents to be gentle when brushing a child's gums due to the tenderness of the area during teething. 