Oral Health Education
Why Early-Years Care Matters
We empower parents with gentle, evidence-based practices to help children develop healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Explore milestone guides, brushing tips, and essential baby oral-care basics.
Children should adopt good oral care habits as early as possible. Poor oral health can negatively affect the development of a young mouth. It can also impact a child’s self-confidence, social skills, and potential for success later in life. Oral health is, therefore, essential to a child’s overall health and well-being.
Cleaning a Baby’s Mouth
It is important to begin caring for a child’s mouth from birth. Although a newborn may not have any teeth, the gums help protect the bones and the developing teeth beneath them. Wipe the gums gently with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth, especially after feedings and before bedtime.
First Tooth, First Birthday Milestones
When the first baby tooth starts to come in, it is especially important to clean your baby’s teeth before bedtime. Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to their toothbrush.
Regular dental check-ups are important to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Take your baby to the dentist after the first tooth comes in and no later than his or her first birthday.
Encourage drinking from a cup by their first birthday. An open cup will help your baby learn to sip and is better for your baby’s teeth.
Growing Up
Make Sure Children Brush for Two Minutes, Twice a Day:
Children between the ages of 3 and 6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, while younger children need only a smear. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, is an essential habit for maintaining a child’s long-term oral and overall health.
Teach the Correct Brushing Technique:
As children grow older, teach them how to brush their teeth properly using gentle, circular motions, and supervise them as they learn to brush more independently. Remind them to brush all surfaces of their teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
Promote Healthy Low-Sugar Diets:
As children grow older, teach them how to brush their teeth properly using gentle, circular motions, and supervise them as they learn to brush more independently. Remind them to brush all surfaces of their teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
