Time to Brush Your Teeth

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic diseases of children.

Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems – such as with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

The good news is that tooth decay and tooth cavity infections are preventable.

The combination of fluorides and dental sealants has the potential to nearly eliminate tooth decay in children.

Here are some things you can do to ensure good oral health for your child:

• Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride.
• Begin using a fluoride toothpaste when your child is 2 years old. If your child is younger than 6 years old, put only a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush.
• Supervise your child’s tooth brushing, encouraging the child to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it.
• If your drinking water is not fluoridated, talk to a dentist or physician about the best way to protect your child’s teeth.
• Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants. They protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from decay.
• Encourage your children to eat regular nutritious meals, avoid frequent between-meal snacking, and limit sugar-sweetened beverages.
• If you are pregnant, get prenatal care and eat a healthy diet. The diet should include folic acid to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord and possibly cleft lip/palate.

Ensure good oral health for your child and Relax.