Yes. Pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend brushing teeth as soon as the teeth stick up from the gums. Most suggest two times a day. What to use? Some say to use the [plastic on-your-finger baby brush | http://www.jason-natural.com/products/earths_best.php], some recommend wiping the teeth with a gauze or a cloth; I like using soft-bristled children's tooth brush. Tooth paste? Use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste (your child will likely swallow it). If your child is getting fluoride from tap water (if it is fluoridated in your area) or supplements, use a tooth paste without fluoride. If he is not getting fluoride elsewhere you can use a fluoride toothpaste.

Teething gets (falsely) blamed for just about everything. However, most pediatricians agree that there can be some discomfort of the gums. Also, it is common to see more biting, chewing behavior and drooling when a new tooth comes. Some teeth come in, however, without any symptoms apparent. If discomfort accompanies a new tooth, first try giving your son something hard to chew on or an [infant teething biscuit | /products/category/72.php]. If this doesn't seem to help, pediatricians recommend either a topical anesthetic (Ora-gel, etc) or oral pain reliever.

It is perfectly fine to start using a cup at this age. Cups are recommended by most dentists once a child in 12 -18 months old. Using a bottle longer than that may result in the child's upper teeth being pushed forward. (I'm sure you know this, but to repeat: sleeping with a bottle each night can lead to terrible cavities.)

I urge you to ask a dentist the same question since they are the experts on this. However, this is what I know: many children are born with a yellowish instead of whitish color to their teeth. This can be quite normal. However, pitting of the teeth is not normal. The pitting may be from defects in the enamel (hard, outer layer of the tooth); there are many causes for enamel defects. Sometimes enamel defects run in a family; other times they are due to medications or illnesses. In some cases, no cause is found. I suggest you bring your grandchild to a dentist for an evaluation.

It is common for a child's first tooth to erupt at 6 to 7 months of age; however, it is still normal not to see the first baby tooth until 12-13 months of age. What determines when the tooth erupts? Genetics. If a child comes from a family in which others got their first teeth later than average, then the child likely will be late to get the tooth. Calcium supplies do not affect the timing of tooth eruption.

Many babies have soft nails. This is normal, and also is not related to how much calcium a child gets. Healthy infants do not need supplemental calcium. The calcium content of breast milk, or formula, is more than adequate. Foods that infants like that are high in calcium: dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.). For older children there are also juices and other foods supplemented with extra calcium.