Tips for Parents

1. Do not encourage the use of a pacifier. If your child already uses a pacifier begin to discourage use by 9 months of age.
2. Begin to wean your infant from a bottle to a sipper cup by the age of 1. Children can successfully drink from a cup by 10 months of age.
3. Clean your infant's mouth with a gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding and most importantly before bedtime.
4. Begin to use a toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste as soon as your infant's first tooth erupts. You do not need to use toothpaste if your infant doesn't like it. Toothpaste is not a necessity until 24-36 months of age.
5. To prevent Early Childhood Caries NEVER put your infant to bed with a bottle of anything other than 100% water. Even at naptime.
6. NEVER dip a pacifier or nipple into sugar or honey.
7. If necessary, begin fluoride supplements as prescribed by your Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist.
8. Change your child's toothbrush every 3-4 months or right after a cold or flu.
9. Brush at least twice a day, once after breakfast and once right before your child goes to bed.
10. Establish a dental home for your child by their first birthday through their first dental visit.