• Start early to teach your child the importance of taking good care of their teeth
  
  
• Have your child brush a minimum of 2 times each day, for 2 minutes each time after breakfast and before bed. It’s a simple and effective way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.  Don’t rush your brush!
  
  
• For children up to 3 years, use only a smear of fluoridated toothpaste on the brush, after age 3, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is the right amount
  
  
• Have your child spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but not rinse, that way some of the fluoride stays on the teeth for added protection
  
  
• Remind children to reach back far enough to clean those important molars - they're meant to last a lifetime
  


• Once your child's teeth touch each other, floss every day
  
  
• Children up to age 12 need help with flossing. Here are some simple pictures to guide flossing.


• Chewing sugarless gum, when they can’t brush their teeth, will help your child remain cavity free
  
  
• Have your child wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports
  
  
• Take your child to the dentist every 6-9 months
  
  
• Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about putting pit and fissure sealants on the
  chewing surfaces of your child's permanent molars
  
  
• Set a good example by brushing and flossing your own teeth properly
  healthy eating habits are important for your child's overall health and for strong, healthy teeth

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy eating habits are important for your child's overall health and for strong, healthy teeth. Keep these tips in mind:

• Follow Canada’s Food Guide when planning meals
• Encourage your child to choose healthy snacks, and discuss their choices. Teeth-friendly snacks
  include fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, crackers, popcorn, nuts, and yoghurt.
• Snacks high in sugar or starch can cause cavities
  especially if eaten often and left to stay on the teeth. Raisins or other dried fruit, rice marshmallow squares, cookies, chips, granola bars, and fruit roll ups are best eaten as desserts rather than snacks
• Offer plain water for thirst between meals.  Drinking juice and soft drinks often during the day can cause cavities
• Sweets may be offered occasionally-just be sure the teeth are brushed twice a day

It's important for children and adults alike to eat
a well-balanced diet and avoid excessive snacking between meals-especially sticky, sweet things. You can encourage your child's healthy eating habits by giving them a
good example to follow.