Cavities are very common in kids — but the good news is they’re highly preventable with simple daily habits.
1. Start Early & Brush Properly
- Clean your baby’s gums even before teeth appear.
- Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
- Use a smear (rice-sized) amount of fluoride toothpaste under age 3.
- Use a pea-sized amount from ages 3–6.
- Parents should supervise brushing until about age 7–8.
2. Limit Sugar
- Reduce sugary snacks, candy, and sticky foods.
- Avoid frequent sipping of juice or sweet drinks.
- Encourage water between meals.
- Don’t put children to bed with milk or juice bottles.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
- Schedule the first dental visit by age 1.
- Keep up with check-ups every 6 months.
- Ask about fluoride treatments and dental sealants for molars.
Why It Matters
Healthy baby teeth are important for proper chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into place.
