Tips for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy!
Helping your child have a happy, healthy mouth is smart. By helping take care of your child’s teeth today, you can stop cavities. In fact, a healthy mouth helps your child succeed! Did you know?
- Children with healthy teeth feel better about themselves and make friends more easily.
- A healthy mouth and teeth are the best way to prevent bad breath.
- Children with healthy mouths may miss less school and get better grades in school.
Make the smart choice, and help your child shine. Choose Delta Dental Smiles for Kids. Then, schedule a dentist visit every six months or as recommended by your dentist, even if your child's teeth don't hurt.
The Basics of Taking Care of Kids' Teeth
You know the basics of taking care of your teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist for regular checkups. It’s the same for you child! Here are a few more tips to help keep your child’s smile healthy.
Baby Basics (Baby – 3 Years)
Babies and toddlers have fewer teeth (and none at all for a while). They still need to have their mouth taken care of to keep it healthy.
- Before teeth come in, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp, clean cloth twice a day.
- Babies should see the dentist by age 1.
- As soon as your baby has teeth – start brushing them! Use a soft infant toothbrush and brush twice a day. Use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
- At bedtime or naptime, don’t give a bottle with juice or milk. If they need a drink, make it water. Water is safe for teeth (if your child is 6 months or older).
- If a pacifier falls on the ground, wash it with soap and water. Don’t put it in your mouth to clean it – that passes your germs to your baby.
Kidding Around (Ages 4 – 12)
It can be hard to get young kids to slow down! It’s still important to take time to care for their teeth.
- A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is all that’s needed for brushing. Brushing at least 2 times a day is best to stop cavities.
- Visit the dentist for regular check-ups. Ask about fluoride varnish as extra protection against the cavity monsters!
- Sealants on molars can help prevent cavities on those hard to reach back teeth.
- An adult needs to brush children’s teeth until they are at least 6 years old. Until then they can’t brush well enough to stop cavities.
- Use a floss pic for flossing. An adult will need to help children floss until about age 10.
Teen Teeth (Ages 13 – 18)
Teens may need some gentle reminders from parents to keep their teeth in great shape.
- Make sure teens are still brushing 2 times a day and flossing at least once a day.
- Keep visiting the dentist for regular check-ups. This may also be the time braces are needed.
- Be sure to wear mouth guards for sports during practice and games.
- Opt for sugar free gum. Limit soda, sports drinks, and junk food.
- Say “No” to lip or tongue piercings, smoking, and smokeless tobacco.
If You Have a Dental Emergency
In case of an emergency, call 911 if you think your life is in danger. You do not need approval from us to receive emergency dental services. During normal business hours, call your Primary Care Dentist first. If they are unable to help, call Delta Dental at 1-866-864-2499.