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Did you know that dental caries (cavity-causing bacteria) is the No. 1 disease among children? Early childhood caries "can destroy the teeth of preschool children and toddlers," according to the online resource Pediatric Dental Health. Early childhood caries is a contagious bacteria that produces acid and thrives in it. The higher the sugar levels in the mouth, the higher the bone-destroying acid levels on the teeth.

Experts say mothers can pass this bacteria on to their babies even before the child's teeth erupt, so mothers need to be taking care of their teeth as well as brushing the gums and new teeth of their little ones, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

And because baby teeth pave the way for permanent teeth, it is important they are healthy and disease-free. Once a cavity develops, the risk of getting more increases.

According to the academy, tooth-brushing is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention.

It doesn't matter if the toothbrush is manual or powered, as long as the bristles are polished (rounded) and soft.

"Be sure to brush your preschooler's teeth and supervise the brushing and flossing of school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age.

Also, remember to throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. "Frayed bristles can harm the gums and are not as effective in cleaning teeth," the academy states.

Fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as a child is able to spit it out without swallowing it.

Finally, replace toothbrushes after a bacterial or viral illness to prevent re-infection.

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