5 tips for keeping your baby’s teeth and gums healthy. February is national dental health month, so we wanted to take the opportunity to share with you ways you can keep your baby healthy from the very start. Oral health is important and good hygiene can protect your baby from many health problems!

Clean your baby’s teeth and gums daily. Until their teeth come in, gently wipe their gums with a damp washcloth. Start brushing once they have their first tooth using an infant toothbrush. You should use water and a tiny amount of toothpaste. Once your child is age 2, they should brush their teeth twice each day for two minutes. Always supervise children under 6 as they may swallow toothpaste.
Choose healthy snacks. Candy and juice can cause problems, try offering alternatives like cheese, yogurt, and fruit along with water. These options will help keep their mouths and their whole bodies healthy!
Make brushing fun. Sing the ABC’s or another song to keep track of time. Brush your teeth at the same time to role model good behavior and proper brushing.
Begin flossing as soon as their teeth touch. Flossing can be challenging but is an important part of good oral health. It helps get food and germs out from between teeth where the toothbrush misses.
Schedule a visit to the dentist. It is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year to check for any problems like cavities. They will also be able to give your child’s teeth a really good cleaning!

Looking for more information? Check out Sesame Street for fun videos, coloring sheets, parent resources and more: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/subtopics/oral-health/