Your Child's Oral Health

Your Child's Oral Health

imageProper care of children’s oral health, outlined in easy-to-read steps, is the focus of a brochure produced by the New York State Dental Foundation and NYSDA. The brochure, "Taking care of your child’s health is as easy as 1, 2, 3", was produced with support from the American Dental Association and is offered free of charge to parents, caregivers, educators and health professionals. 

“Parents bring their children to the pediatrician for annual visits, and our goal is to make them aware that preventive oral health care is just as important,” said Edward J. Downs, D.D.S., president of the New York State Dental Foundation.

In addition to offering healthy tips, the brochure encourages parents to request a dental assessment for their school-aged children as New York State schools are now required to request dental assessment certificates for children entering certain grades.

Acrobat PDF FileTake Your Child to the Dentist


Your Baby's Oral Health

From the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:
Fast Facts: Dental Care for Babies and Young Children

PROTECT YOUR BABY'S PRECIOUS SMILE

Acrobat PDF FileEnglish version    Acrobat PDF FileSpanish version

Please contact NYSDA to request printed versions of Protect Your Baby's Precious Smile.

Baby Sippy Cups

Choose training cups carefully and only use them for a temporary period.

Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy children's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting early childhood caries.

  • Begin oral care early. Wipe the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding.
  • Babies and toddlers should finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids OR a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
  • Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
  • Don't let children constantly sip on sugary liquids (including milk and juice) from training (sippy) cups. Offer these liquids at mealtimes.
  • Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose nutritious snacks.

Dental Visits

The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of your baby's first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and, if necessary, fluoride treatments provide children with 'smile' insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.

More from the American Dental Association about sippy cups at this link.