PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

STARTING dental care early will prevent your child from having tooth decay. Here are some steps to prevent cavities.

1GET

A CHECK-UP

Your child should see a dentist by his first birthday. Early preventive care saves you money in the long run.

2TEACH

GOOD HABITS

Brushing is crucial from the get-go. Before your baby has teeth, brush his gums. Use water on a baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth. When your baby’s teeth appear, brush twice a day with an infant toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.

3AVOID

BABY BOTTLE DECAY

Don’t put your infant or older child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula or milk. Sugary liquids cling to teeth, feeding bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

4CUT

BACK ON JUICE 5CONTROL

THE SIPPY CUP 6DITCH

THE PACIFIER BY AGE 3

Give non-sugary drinks and foods at mealtimes. Use juice only as a treat.

Using it too much can lead to decay on the back of the front teeth if the drinks are sugary.

There are a lot of good reasons to let your child use a pacifier, but in the long term it can affect how his teeth line up and change the shape of the mouth.

7WATCH

OUT FOR SWEET MEDICINE

Children’s medications can be flavoured and sugary. If they stick on the teeth, the likelihood of cavities goes up. Children on medication for chronic conditions such as asthma and heart problems often have a higher decay rate.

8BE

FIRM

If your kid puts up a fuss when it’s time to brush, floss and rinse, don’t let him off the hook. Make it clear he doesn’t have a choice. On the part of parents, be patient. Children can start brushing their teeth with help from a grown-up around 2 or 3, but they may not be ready to do it alone until they are about 6.