Baby teeth may fall out eventually, but they matter a great deal while they’re here. They help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for adult teeth. Yet cavities are one of the most common chronic health problems of childhood. By age 8, more than half of U.S. children have had at least one. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that make it hard to eat, sleep, talk, play and learn. The good news: cavities are largely preventable, and healthy habits start early.
Start before the first tooth. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a small, soft baby toothbrush.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger and helps prevent cavities. Ask your child’s dentist or doctor when to start fluoride toothpaste. Most recommend just a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6. Teach your child to spit out the extra rather than swallow it.
Help with brushing. Young children don’t yet have the hand skills to brush well on their own. Brush their teeth for them, then let them take a turn. Keep helping or checking their work until about age 7 or 8. Make it fun with a song, a two-minute timer or a favorite toothbrush.
Watch the sugar, and how often. Sugary drinks and frequent snacking feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Offer water between meals, and save juice and sweets for mealtimes. Never put a baby or toddler to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice. The liquid pools around the teeth overnight.
Ask about fluoride. Your child’s dentist or doctor can tell you whether your tap water contains fluoride and whether your child would benefit from fluoride varnish, a quick painless coating brushed onto the teeth.
Visit the dentist early. Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. Early visits help spot problems before they become painful and help your child get comfortable with the dentist.
Ask about sealants. As permanent back teeth come in, dental sealants can protect their chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent most cavities in those teeth for years.
Set a good example. Children copy what they see. Brush and floss alongside your child, and keep your own dental visits up to date.
Healthy habits now give your child a smile to be proud of for life.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oral Health Tips for Children; Children’s Oral Health.