To prevent tooth decay, you should brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush at least once daily before bedtime or ideally two or more times a day after mealtimes. To encourage independence and good dental habits, allow your toddler to brush his/her own teeth before or after an adult had done so. Limit the frequency of sugared drinks and foods, especially hard or sticky candies and dried fruits such as raisins.
To prevent “nursing bottle cavities” or tooth decay, which occurs as the sweet liquid pools in the mouth, do not put your toddler to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Substitute a bottle of water for milk/juice if necessary, do not use the bottle as a pacifier and never coat pacifiers in sweet substances.
To prevent tooth decay, fluoride supplements are recommended if your water supply is unfluoridated. If you are not sure if your water is fluoridated, you can have water tested. Fluoride drops or tablets are prescribed, if needed.
It is generally recommended that your child see a dentist by three years. The first visit should be non-traumatizing by meeting the dentist, seeing the equipment and just a look at the teeth.
