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:

• Cheese
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Have your child drink lots of water after meals and snacks to help clean teeth.