This can be tough with an uncooperative child. My kids did not like it, so I didn’t push it. If you have to put them in a head-lock to brush their teeth, they probably won’t cooperate for a long time. Having a two year-old that will brush his teeth is much more important that having a 14-month old that does.

Dentists recommend cleaning gums with gauze to remove plaque beginning when teeth first appear, usually around six-to- seven-months. Try the following brushing tactics:

• Model good dental hygiene. Let baby watch you brush. Show excitement, capitalizing on "just like mommy and daddy." Around his first birthday, get baby his own toothbrush and enjoy side-by-side brushing just for play. If you first get baby to enjoy imitating toothbrushing, it will be easier for you to get down to the business of getting germs off little teeth.

• First toothbrushing. The best chances for a cooperative baby and clean teeth are to use your moistened gauze- wrapped fingertip as a toothbrush. Gauze also works well in the older baby who refuses to let you invade his mouth with a toothbrush.