Keeping Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy

TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH:

• Take good care of your child’s baby teeth. They help your child chew food, speak clearly, and save space for their adult teeth.
• Keep your teeth and mouth clean. You can pass cavity-causing germs to your baby by kissing or sharing food.
• Do NOT let your child carry a bottle or cup of juice, milk, or sweet drinks. Sipping on sugary drinks all day can cause tooth decay.

BIRTH – 6 MONTHS

• Breastfed babies have fewer dental problems and less tooth decay than bottle-fed babies.
• Wipe your baby’s mouth and gums at least once a day with a soft, clean washcloth.
• Hold your baby when you feed them. Do NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle.
• Do not prop up your baby’s bottle.

6-12 MONTHS

• Your baby is ready to start using a cup.
• Give your baby a little breastmilk, formula, water, or juice in a cup at mealtimes.
• Limit juice to 2-4 ounces per day. Never put juice in a bottle.
• At 9 months, gradually start replacing one bottle at a time with a cup.

 

FIRST BIRTHDAY

• Take your child to the dentist for their first checkup. Lookout for white spots on their teeth as this could be a sign of cavities.
• Only give your child a cup, they do not need bottles anymore

 

1-5 YEARS:

• Help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day. Do not use toothpaste until they are 3 years old, and only use a pea-sized amount.
• At 15 months your child should stop using no-spill cups
• Give your child healthy snacks, like vegetables, fruits, cheese, and yogurt.
• Limit juice.
  • 1-3 years old, limit juice to 4 ounces a day.
  • 4-6 years old, limit juice to 6 ounces a day.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, including fruit drinks/juice, sweet tea, and sugary cereals.