Brush children’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children 3 and older
Supervise brushing until children can brush well on their own
Floss children’s teeth daily once teeth touch each other
Limit sugary snacks and drinks
Avoid frequent sipping of juice, soda, or sweetened milk
Offer water between meals and after snacks
Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt
Reduce sticky candies and chewy sweets
Do not let children fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or other sugary drinks
Encourage drinking from a cup by the first birthday
Schedule regular dental checkups
Ask the dentist about fluoride treatments
Ask the dentist about dental sealants for molars
Replace toothbrushes regularly
Make brushing and flossing part of the daily routine
Clean a baby’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear
Start dental care as soon as the first tooth erupts
Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth
Keep sugary medicines to a minimum when possible
Encourage children to rinse with water after eating sugary foods