- Watch what your child eats and drinks – and give them a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- If your child does ask for sugary foods and sweetened or acidic drinks, offer them with their meals, instead of between them.
- Consider giving your child a straw when drinking sugary and acidic drinks. This will give their teeth less exposure to the sugar and acid in the drinks.
- Adding raw fruit or vegetables to their meals will also increase the flow of saliva in the mouth and wash away the harmful sugars.
- Don’t allow infants to have sweetened liquids or fruit juices in a bottle. Stick to water, it contains no acid or sugar.
- Brushing at least twice per day is an important step in preventing cavities and tooth decay. The fluoride in toothpaste protects young teeth.
- Lastly, nothing ensures keeping your teeth and gums healthy like taking your child to visit the dentist every six months.
Find more oral health tips in our resources section.