Oral Hygiene

• Every child should have their teeth brushed at least twice a day, morning and night.
• Since brushing teeth is a fine motor skill, children need an adult to help with brushing until they are 7 or 8 years old.
• Toothpaste should never be swallowed. Fluoridated toothpaste should not be offered to a child until 3 years of age. Young children should brush with water.
• Fluoridated toothpaste can help prevent cavities, but is not essential. If your child drinks fluoridated water, toothpaste is less necessary. The brush is cleaning the bacterial plaque off the teeth.
• Replace a toothbrush about every 6 months when the bristles begin to flair.

Diet

• Children should always be encouraged to eat a healthy, low sugar diet.
• Fruit roll-up and other processed foods are not substitutes for real fruit.
• Drinks can contain large amounts of sugar. Only six ounces of 100% fruit juice per day is recommended.
• Avoid soft drinks. They can damage the teeth with the sugar content and high acid levels.
• Children should drink milk and/or 100% fruit juice with meals, and water always between meals.
• Hard candy and sticky candy can damage teeth, fillings, and crowns.
• Potato chips, french fries, and other chip products can break down to simple sugars and cause cavities like a candy bar can.