Prevention of Cavities and Gum Disease

Preventing cavities and gum disease is essential for maintaining good oral and physical health! Here are some tips:

• Brush two times a day with the right amount of fluoridated toothpaste:
  • 3 years or younger: smear, no bigger than a grain of rice amount of toothpaste.
  • 3 years or older (and can spit): pea-size amount of toothpaste.
• Floss two times a day.
• Parents help and/or supervise your child's brushing and flossing until they're around 8 years old.
• Limit the number of times a day your child has sugary foods, snacks, and drinks.
• Have your child drink mostly water. Once in a while, if they must have a sugary drink, have it during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and then rinse with or drink water afterward. Do not slowly sip sugary drinks.
• Bring your infant in for their first dental visit when their teeth start coming in.
  • Ideally, they'll have their first dental visit by 1 year of age. This will ensure your dentist can review what to do at home to prevent cavities, as well as start their tooth vitamin protocol to keep their teeth strong. Preventing problems early will help ensure your child stays healthy and needs minimal dental treatment!
• See your child's dentist every 3-6 months depending on their child's risk for cavities:
  • High risk: every 3 months.
  • Moderate to Low risk: every 6 months.

Preventing cavities and gum disease requires a combination of good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups. By taking care of your child's teeth and gums, you can reduce their risk of cavities gum disease and help them maintain good oral and physical health throughout their life!