Age 2-7

• Start using fluoride tooth paste at age two. Use a pea size amount.
  
  
• Help your child brush until about age 7. He or she will not have the ability to do a good job until then.
  
  
• Limit sweet drinks and food that is high in sugar. Eliminate soda and sports drinks.  
  
  
• Serve your child healthy snacks at planned times, don’t allow “grazing”.
  
  
• Constant snacking is more harmful than eating sweets at the end of a meal.
  
  
• Take your child to the dentist at least twice a year.
  
  
• Continue checking for white or dark spots on the teeth.
  
  
• Floss your child’s teeth when they begin to touch.
  
  
• Be sure your child is drinking fluoridated water. (Most bottled water does not have fluoride)

Age 8 through teens

• Limit sweet drinks and food high in sugar. Eliminate soda and sports drinks as much as possible.
  
  
• Keep healthy snacks on hand.
  
  
• Take your child to the dentist at least twice a year.
  
  
• Supervise brushing with fluoridated toothpaste; it takes about 2-3 minutes to do a complete job.
  
  
• Encourage flossing. You will need to help until about age 10.
  
  
• Have dental sealants placed on your child’s teeth.
  
  
• Be sure your child is drinking fluoridated water. Most bottled water does not have fluoride.