Dentist by Age One:

Infants should visit the dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in or no later than age one. Tiny teeth can get cavities too. Get to know the dentist early so that your child’s smile can stay healthy for years to come.

Nutrition:

• Help your child try a variety of healthy foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains are healthy foods for teeth. Milk, yogurt and cheese are full of calcium and other minerals that strengthen teeth.
• Drink water. Save the milk, juice and other drinks for meal time. Cavities form fast when children sip on drinks other than water all day long.
• Avoid sticky foods. Foods that stick in the teeth cause cavities faster. Common culprits are raisins, crackers and of course, candy.
• How often a child snacks affects their dental health too. Limit foods with starches and sugars to meal time only. Allow your child to snack on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cheese between meals.

Sharing Germs:

Germs that cause cavities are passed from parents to their children. Avoid sharing forks, spoons and straws with your child. Never put pacifiers, toys or other items in your mouth and then into your child's mouth.

Make sure the whole family has good dental health. Healthy mouths are less likely to spread cavity-causing germs.

Home Care:

Brush morning and night. Children need an adult to brush for them until they can tie their own shoes. Brush all parts of the teeth. Brush slowly. It takes time to do a good job.

• Tooth Brushing Calendar

Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps teeth resist cavities. Spit or wipe out the extra toothpaste. Children age two and older should brush with a pea-size amount.

Younger children also need fluoride toothpaste if they are at risk for cavities. Check with a dental professional to find out your child’s risk.