- Take your child to the dentist by age one or when their first tooth appears
- Brush your child’s teeth two times a day. Brush in the morning after breakfast, or before they leave the house. Make sure the last thing you child does before bed is to brush and floss!
- You should brush your child’s teeth for them until age seven. First you brush, then you can help and teach them to brush by themselves.
- Use a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste for children less than 2 years of age, a half-pea size fluoride toothpaste for children ages 2-5, and a pea size of fluoride toothpaste for children older than 5. Encourage children to spit out excess toothpaste.
- Fluoride supplements can be considered for all children drinking fluoride-deficient water. Consult your dental or medical provider.
- Avoid carbohydrate snacks that turn to sugar and stick to their teeth (chips, crackers/goldfish, dry cereal, pretzels)
- Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, or protein snacks (cheese, yogurt, nuts)
- Candy should be for special occasions. Brush your child’s teeth after sugary snacks.
- Choose water instead of sports drinks or soda
- Milk is a good drink option but should be consumed only with meals because it contains a lot of natural sugars. Chocolate milk should be served as a treat; it is very high in sugar.
- If your child is using a bottle for feeding, try to wean them off the bottle by age 18 months. The bottle should contain only water, except for feedings. A child should never be put to bed with a bottle that contains formula, milk, or juice!
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