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Time for Toddler Dental Care
Healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are assets your child will treasure throughout his life. Good toddler dental care is a step in the right direction and could help prevent the cavities that occur in more than 25% of two- to five-year-olds in the U.S.1 Toddler dental care, however, is much more than teaching him the right way to brush his teeth. Brush up on this checklist of healthy dental habits:
- Help him brush his teeth twice a day. The most important times are after breakfast and before bedtime. Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized or smaller amount of fluoride toothpaste smeared into the bristles to keep him from swallowing it.2
- Consider flossing. Your toddler’s teeth can be flossed as soon as he has two teeth that touch. It may not be necessary, so ask your dentist first.2
- Limit sweet and sticky foods in his diet. Encourage him to eat regular, healthy meals and snack on fruits and vegetables. Give him water or milk instead of beverages with sugar and acid, such as soft drinks, flavored drinks, juices, sports drinks, lemonade and flavored teas. And if he has milk at bedtime, make sure he brushes his teeth before going to sleep.2
- Take him to the dentist for regular checkups. A good rule of thumb is to take your child for a checkup at least once a year.2
- Think about a pediatric dentist. Your family dentist may be perfectly suited to caring for your toddler’s teeth, especially if he or she relates well to children. Keep in mind, however, that pediatric dentists are specially trained in children’s oral health and some do extra things to make the office more kid-friendly and inviting.3
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