Dental Health Tips for Parents

Babies

• Use a warm washcloth to clean out your infant’s mouth after a feeding.
• No matter how fussy baby gets, don’t put them to bed with a bottle. Opt for a blanket or another soothing method.
• You may see other parents use their own mouths to clean pacifiers or bottles — but this is actually a horrible idea as it can spread cavity-causing germs.
• A baby is ready for their first dental check-up few months before their first birthday.

Toddlers

• Get your toddler to smile and use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on your disinfected finger to brush their teeth twice a day.
• 4 ounces of fruit juice per day is the limit and sugary drinks are never a good idea (for plenty of reasons).
• Tooth healthy snacks include crunchy fruits and veggies, cheese and nuts (check for allergies of course).
• Don’t share utensils with your toddler as this spreads bacteria.
• Take your toddler for a dental check up every 6 months to help get them used to visiting the dentist.

Children

• Brush and floss together with your kids twice a day, taking the time to show them proper technique.
• Kids should play sports with a mouth guard.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants for your kids back molars, and get your kids to see the dentist every six months.