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Keeping Your Child’s Mouth Healthy

Report 2023

Thanks to our funders for their support: Caring for Colorado Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation; The Colorado Trust; Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation; Kaiser Permanente; Rose Community Foundation.

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Grant Number: H47MC28479. Information/content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

father and son brushing teeth

KEEPING BABY TEETH HEALTHY

  • Kids with cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to have cavities in their adult teeth.
  • To help chew healthy, crunchy foods.
  • To hold space in the mouth for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.
  • When a tooth is lost too early, teeth can drift into the space and make it difficult for adult teeth to find room. This can cause crooked and crowded teeth.
  • Because cavities are painful!
graphic illustration of three teeth

It’s OK to ask

Ask your medical or dental provider about fluoride varnish, which can be painted on teeth to strengthen tooth enamel

mother and baby smiling

BEFORE YOUR BABY HAS TEETH

  • Good oral care starts even before your baby gets their first teeth. You can help keep your baby from getting the germs that lead to cavities.
  • Breast is best. Breast-fed babies have healthier teeth.
  • If your baby drinks a bottle, put only milk, formula or water in the bottle.
  • Never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle.
  • Keep your teeth healthy too. You can spread cavity causing germs to your baby by sharing spoons, or licking your child’s pacifier for example.
  • Schedule your baby’s first dental visit before their first birthday.
Mother and toddler laughing

WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS TEETH

  • Once teeth appear, brush your baby’s teeth once in the morning and once before bed with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no more than a grain of rice. Use a pea size amount when they learn how to spit
  • Help your child brush their teeth.
  • Choose food and drinks that are low in added sugar. Juice and soda have sugar.
  • Transition from a bottle to an open top cup when your child is one year old.
  • Drink milk with meals. Drink water between meals.
  • Plan snacks between meals to avoid snacking all day.

What does fluoride do and why is it important?

illustration of two teeth

Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavities

illustration of waves

Drinking tap water with fluoride reduces cavities by 25% in everyone who drinks it

illustration of two drops of water

Ask your doctor about fluoride supplements if your water is not fluoridated

cavity free at three logo

BEFORE YOUR BABY HAS TEETH

How can I help my baby have a healthy smile?

  • Good oral care starts even before your baby gets their first teeth. You can help keep your baby from getting the germs that lead to cavities.
  • Breast is best. Breast-fed babies have healthier teeth.
  • If your baby drinks a bottle, put only milk, formula or water in the bottle.
  • Never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle.
  • Keep your teeth healthy too. You can spread cavity causing germs to your baby by sharing spoons, or licking your child’s pacifier for example.
  • Schedule your baby’s first dental visit before their first birthday.