While baby teeth may be temporary, they are still extremely important because they pave the way for permanent teeth. Children who experience tooth decay in their baby teeth are more likely to experience decay in their permanent teeth. This is because the permanent teeth come into an environment with decay-causing bacteria already present.

To prevent tooth decay and cavities in your toddler’s teeth, you should:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks. Avoid giving your child juice or sugary drinks. If juices are given, they should be diluted with water, given in a cup, and with meals. Continue only using bottles for breastmilk, formula, or water. Try to make sure your toddler is eating a mix of healthy foods and avoid sharing spoons or other utensils as cavity-causing bacteria can be passed through saliva.
• Keep brushing teeth twice daily with a tiny smear – about the size of a grain of rice – of fluoride toothpaste until age 3. Tooth brushing should be done in the morning and as part of a bedtime routine. A positive bedtime routine should also include drinking only water after dinner, brushing teeth, a bedtime story, and a regular bedtime.
• Don’t forget to floss. While brushing teeth helps to remove dental plaque, it can’t remove plaque that cannot be reached by a toothbrush such as in between the teeth. You should start to floss when your child has two teeth that touch, which often occurs around ages 2 to 3. Your child’s dentist or pediatrician can show you how to floss your child’s teeth.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. It is recommended to schedule regular dentist visits every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your child’s dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal dental health.

All of a child’s 20 baby teeth usually come in by a child’s third birthday. The best way to keep your child’s teeth and mouth healthy is by teaching them good dental habits. As they grow to become more independent, this will help your child learn to make dental hygiene a part of their daily routine.

To prevent tooth decay and cavities in your young child’s teeth, you should:

• Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing teeth twice daily. At age 3, it is recommended by dentists and pediatricians alike to start using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. Also try to teach your child to spit the toothpaste. If a child cannot spit, have them tilt their mouth down so that the toothpaste can dribble out into the sink, a cup, or washcloth.
• Teach proper toothbrushing habits. Continue brushing your child’s teeth until you are confident that they can brush their teeth on their own. Then, still supervise to make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and do not swallow it until they are 6 or 7 years of age. Brushing should take place in the morning and before bed, ideally for two minutes. Always follow up by brushing any places they might have missed.
• Make toothbrushing fun! Today’s technologies can help parents build tooth brushing habits through song and even connected toothbrushes using virtual reality games. Here are some great tips for making brushing fun for kids.
• No mouthwash for children under the age of six. Dentists say that children under six should not use mouthwash, unless directed by their dentist. This is because they may swallow large amounts of mouthwash accidentally.