Say No to Toddler Cavities

As a mom, you want your toddler to have the best of everything, including healthy teeth. You also want to spare her the difficulties that can come with cavities, which might form when milk, soft drinks, raisins, cake, candy and other foods containing sugars and starches are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria in your child’s mouth thrive on these foods and produce acids that, over time, can destroy tooth enamel and cause tooth decay, or cavities.¹

The American Dental Association has some advice that may help you and your child prevent toddler cavities:

• Help her brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. She may be able to handle the toothbrush herself by the time she’s two or three, but keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t swallow the toothpaste. She should spit the toothpaste out. A pea-sized amount should be enough to brush their teeth.^1,2
• Teach her to clean between teeth every day with floss or an interdental cleaner. Flossing should start as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.^1,2 (neither of our source materials support this statement)
• Make sure she eats a nutritious, balanced diet and try to limit between-meal snacking.¹
• Take her to the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Her first dentist’s visit should take place by the time she turns one year old.^1,2

¹ “Tooth Decay,” http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx?currentTab=1;

² “Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy,” http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/healthy.html;