Dental Care and Checkups
Your child's baby teeth are important because they hold the place for permanent teeth. Brush his or her teeth after breakfast and before bed. Lift your child's lip, look at teeth near the gums, and look behind the front teeth. Take your child to a dentist if you see white or brown spots on the teeth. Spots may be a sign of tooth decay.
Frequent snacking or sipping sweet drinks, including juices or sport drinks, can cause cavities. Teeth need "breaks" between meals and snacks to prevent cavities. Eat and drink at specific meal and snack times instead of sipping and snacking all day long. This is just as important as making sure you give your child healthy snacks.
If your child hasn't had a first dental checkup, it is time to take him or her to a dentist. Call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 for help finding dental care.