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Taking Care of your Child’s Teeth

Toothbrushing is important!
- Start as soon as you see the first tooth.
- Use a small soft toothbrush twice a day.
- Use toothpaste – starting at age one. Just a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste (equal to a single grain of rice) helps protect teeth.
- You should brush your child’s teeth until age 6 to 8 (when they have the muscle control to write in cursive). Children can practice with a toothbrush before or after you brush.
Download a free brochure to learn more about taking care of your child’s baby teeth.
Keeping Teeth Healthy
- Bottles – If you give your child a bottle at bedtime or naps, give only water. Other liquids can pool in your child’s mouth while he/she sleeps and cause decay.
- Fluoride – Ask your dentist or doctor about fluoride varnish. It is painted on the teeth to prevent early decay or even heal early decay.
- Germs cause cavities. If your mouth is healthy, your child is more likely to have a healthy mouth too.
- Did you know that you can pass germs which cause cavities by sharing saliva? Avoid sharing spoons and toothbrushes with your child or cleaning a dropped pacifier in your mouth.
Lift the Lip and Check Your Child’s Teeth
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to Lift the Lip at least once a month. Lift or gently push the lip out of the way and look at the teeth for the following:
- Look for white or brown spots or anything unusual.
- Check along the gum line for plaque or a sticky film.
- Check both top and bottom teeth and look at the back side of the front teeth – where milk pools and can cause cavities.
- Be sure to have your child’s teeth checked by a dentist or doctor by age one or if you have a concern about what you see.
Healthy Eating

For healthy teeth, be aware of the kind of food and how often your child eats. Here are some tips:
- Serve your child milk and water – avoid juices and other sugary beverages
- Avoid “grazing” – snacking or sipping on sweet liquids or milk all day long
- Limit snacks that are high in carbohydrates and stick to teeth such as fruit leathers, crackers, and cookies
Choose “tooth-healthy” snacks such as:
Have your child drink lots of water after meals and snacks to help clean teeth.