How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Brushing and Flossing

Children should brush and floss their teeth two times per day for two minutes each time, in the morning and right before bed. Parents should help with brushing and flossing until kids have strong enough dexterity to do it well on their own, generally around age 8 or 9.

Regular Dental Visits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist every six months, beginning around age 1.

What to Drink

Children can have water whenever they’d like, milk with meals, and juice just occasionally. Kids should not have soda or sports drinks, as they are high in sugar and known to cause cavities. Parents should never put a baby to bed with a bottle.

Meals and Snacking

Children should eat three balanced meals per day. A couple of healthy snacks in between meals are fine, but snacking throughout the day will contribute to tooth decay.