Children’s Dental Health Month 2019
Here are some tips from the Cambridge Public Health Department’s Healthy Smiles program for keeping children’s teeth healthy. Click for downloadable tips in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
TIPS
A tooth needs to be cleaned as soon as it is in the mouth.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, for two minutes.
Use a small soft toothbrush or finger brush.
Brushing:
Use a pea size amount of toothpaste on your brush
Use a soft toothbrush
Brush in circles
Brush your gums and your teeth
Open your mouth and brush top and bottom separately
Brush all surfaces of all your teeth
Don’t forget to brush your tongue
Rinse out thoroughly with water
Remember to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months or after your child has been sick.
First visit to the dentist – at one-year-old bring your child to the dentist for an exam.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria – which can be transferred from the parent. Don’t share cups or utensils.
Only sue bottles and sippy cups for formula, milk or water.
Once teeth are present – only give your child water at night if they are thirsty.
Limit sugary drinks and snack, including juice-they increase the incidence of tooth decay.
Rinse with water after eating when a brush is not available, it washes away food and mouth germs.
Cambridge water has fluoride which prevents cavities by making your tooth stronger.