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Home › Articles › Toddler Health › Preventing Cavities in Toddlers

Preventing Cavities in Toddlers

Keeping Your Toddler's Teeth Cavity Free

By Laura Cone

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Finally, when choosing a dentist for your toddler, make sure to pick one who specializes in pediatric dentistry.

Most children have their first preventive care appointment or checkup at age 3. Experts say it's important to explain to your toddler how the dentist and dental hygienist is going to check his teeth that day and brighten up his smile. Then, make sure the dentist has a child-friendly approach.

Dr. Bennett uses show-and-tell and calls the rotary hand piece a "tickle toothbrush." They call the saliva ejector "Mr. Slurpee."

In addition to making a child feel comfortable, a good dentist will view your child as the patient and communicate directly with the child – with the parent in the room, of course.

Dentist Tips for Preventing Toddler Cavities
  • Drink fluoridated water to prevent decay. If purchasing bottled water, look for a brand that contains .7 to 1.2 mg/L.
  • A child should never be put to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup.
  • Avoid fruit juice, fruit drinks and soda pop or carbonated beverages that contribute to higher rates of decay.
  • Consuming foods that easily adhere to the teeth, such as raisins, fruit leather, candy and high carbohydrate snacks such as crackers and pretzels also increase the possibility for decay.
  • Brushing requires fine motor control; therefore, young children need parental help with brushing.
  • Tooth brushing should be done twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).
  • Brush teeth with plain water or a non-fluoridated toothpaste for children under the age of 2.
  • Children age 2 and above can use a small pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day on the brush.
  • Make sure your child spits out the excess toothpaste.
  • If your child is very independent let her practice brushing first and then brush again after she is finished.

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