Baby teeth matter
Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help with chewing and speaking. Decay in baby teeth can hurt and cause infections, so it is worth protecting them even though they fall out.
Brushing by age
- Under 3: brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
- Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount. Help them brush and remind them to spit, not swallow.
- 6 and up: they can brush more on their own, but most children benefit from a grown-up check until about age eight.
Drinks and bedtime
Frequent sips of juice, milk or sweet drinks bathe the teeth in sugar. A bottle of anything but water in bed is a common cause of early cavities. Offer water between meals when you can.
Sealants and checkups
Sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are quick and painless and can lower the chance of cavities in grooves a brush struggles to reach. Ask a dentist whether they fit your child.
Making it easier
Let kids pick a brush, sing a two-minute song, or take turns brushing. Calm, regular routines help more than any gadget.
General information only. Teethelo is not a dental or medical provider and this is not dental or medical advice. Talk with your own dentist about your situation. In an emergency, call 911.