HealthDay News) -- It's never too early to start caring for baby's teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:

• Even before teeth emerge, wipe down baby's gums using clean gauze or a small, cool spoon.
• Using water and a toothbrush made for babies, start brushing teeth as soon as they poke through.
• Starting when your child reaches age 2 years, use a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste with fluoride.
• Always clean baby's pacifier before offering it.
• Don't let baby take a bottle to bed.