Tips for Children’s Dental Health Month
By Dr. Karen Babos, Chief Medical Officer, Molina Healthcare of Illinois

Did you know that the best time to start teaching your kids about dental health is before they turn one? Imprinting good habits early can lead to better checkups forever.

Here’s what you can do at each stage of your child’s life to keep their teeth healthy.

For Babies

• Wipe their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth. You can do this in the morning, after their first feeding and right before bedtime to get rid of any bacteria or sugar that causes cavities.
• When teeth come in, brush twice a day with a soft grade, children’s sized toothbrush. You only need water, no toothpaste yet.
• Find a dentist and schedule a visit by your baby’s first birthday!
   

For Children

• Help children age two and older brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste—as long as your dentist approves of fluoride toothpaste for them. If your child is under six, be sure to supervise their brushing!
• Have your kids drink tap water that contains fluoride. To see if your community’s water is fluoridated, visit the CDC’s
  My Water’s Fluoride website.
• Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealers when needed, to keep cavities away!

Above all, make brushing fun for your kids! Pick out a toothbrush with them, sing a silly brushing song, praise a job well done, make brushing a sweet together time for you both.

And to find a dentist near you, visit ADA.org.

For more information, visit the source of this data at https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html.