Why Is Dental and Oral Health Important?

Early and regular dental care for children is important to prevent tooth decay or caries. Dental caries are also called cavities.

Birth to 6 Months

• Do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup in their mouth.
• Do not leave a bottle in your baby’s crib during naps or overnight.
• If your baby already has a habit of falling asleep with a bottle or sippy cup, only give them water with naps or at bedtime. Even milk can cause tooth decay if it stays on your baby’s teeth.
• If you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding throughout the night, wipe your baby’s mouth with a damp wash cloth or gauze pad after each feeding.
• Do not clean your baby’s pacifier or bottle with your own mouth. This can transfer bacteria that can cause cavities from your mouth to your baby’s.
• Fluoride is not needed at this age.

6 Months to 3 Years of Age

• When your baby’s first tooth comes in, brush their teeth after each feeding and at bedtime.
• Use a small, soft-bristle toothbrush and a grain of rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Fluoride toothpaste is safe for children of this age.
• Schedule your child’s first dentist visit with a pediatric dentist between the ages of 1 and 2 years.

3 Years of Age and Older

• Caregivers and parents help brush your child’s teeth until they are able to tie their own shoes.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush that is the right size for your child, and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your child’s teeth every day. Brush in the morning and before bedtime for at least 2 minutes.
• Start flossing your child’s teeth when their baby teeth start to touch. This normally happens by 2 ½ to 3 years of age.
• Most often, dental visits are suggested at least every 6 months. If you think your child has a dental problem, contact your child’s dental provider right away.

To learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy, review this KidsHealth resource.