Children need healthy teeth. Healthy teeth help them to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also make space for adult teeth. Practicing good oral health care in your family will help protect your child’s teeth, improve their overall health, and maintain their bright smile.  Here are tips to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

• Tooth decay is an infection and can be spread from one person to another. Don't share things from your mouth with baby.  Use a different spoon to taste your child's food. If your child's pacifier falls on the floor, clean it with water.
• Wipe out baby’s mouth with a clean, soft cloth or gum massager after each feeding. It is important to start this habit early so that baby will be more accepting of a toothbrush when the first tooth arrives.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. If a bottle must be used at bed or nap time, use water only.
• Begin using a cup at mealtimes when baby is about six months old.
• Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday.

• Brush your child's teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Use a soft toothbrush made for young children.
• Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is important to keep them healthy. The back molars stay in your child’s mouth until he/she is around 12 years old.
• Brush the front, back and chewing surface of your child’s teeth. Brush along the gumline of all teeth; you may need to lift your child’s lips to brush the gums in the front.
• Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing. Do not have your child rinse with water. The toothpaste that stays in your child's mouth is good for his teeth.
• Floss your child's teeth if they touch each other.
• Habits such as pacifier, thumb, and finger sucking can affect the growth and development of the jaw as well as how they bite. See the “toolbox” for ideas of how to stop these habits.
• If your child has sore gums from a tooth coming in, give him a cold teething ring or cold wet washcloth. You can also rub your child's gums with a clean finger.
• Make sure your child has a balanced diet.  Limiting sugars and starches will help protect your child’s teeth from decay (candy, cookies, and soft drinks).  
• Although 100% juice is healthy, whole fruits are better.  Limit juice to one glass a day and offer it in a cup only during mealtimes.

• Continue brushing twice a day (morning and night), and flossing daily.
• Young children want to brush their own teeth, but they need help. Allow your child to have a turn brushing but always make sure to finish brushing for them.
• Until your child is about 7 or 8, you should brush her teeth.  Continue supervising until they are 10 or 11.
• By now your child should have all 20 of their baby teeth.  The next changes will occur around age 6 when they will start getting permanent teeth.  
• The first teeth to be lost are the lower central teeth.  Children will also get another set of molars in the very back of their mouth.  These are permanent teeth and you do not have to lose any teeth for these ones to erupt.  
• Sealants are often recommended for permanent molars.  Sealants "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.
• Be a role model by caring for your own teeth

• Continue brushing twice a day (morning and night), and flossing daily.
• Teenagers are often concerned with their breath. The best cure for halitosis (bad breath) is to keep the mouth clean. In addition to brushing your teeth, make sure you are brushing your tongue. Tongue scrapers are very helpful.
• Teenagers often have a higher intake of sodas and sugary snacks. Soft drinks contain acid and sugar, both of which contribute to tooth decay. Limit sodas to special occasions. When drinking sodas, don’t sip them slowly. The longer the soda stays in the mouth, the more time the acid has to erode tooth enamel.
• Smoking and chewing tobacco should be completely avoided. There is a very high incidence of oral cancer with the use of any tobacco.
• Mouthguards work! They should be worn for most sports. A proper fit is very important. During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will recommend an appropriate mouthguard.
• Braces can make brushing and flossing more difficult. It is important to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are being cleaned. Ask your dental hygienist about how to thoroughly remove plaque while in braces.
• A Sonicare or Oral-B electric toothbrush is helpful for everyone but is especially recommended for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Our goal is to help your child have the healthiest mouth possible.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the dental health of your child, please feel free to contact our office.