• Use floss or another tool to help clean between their teeth as soon as your child has two teeth that are next to each other. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best way to clean between your child’s teeth. • When choosing dental products, look for those with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means they were tested and show to be both safe and effective. Visit the dentist before your child’s first birthday Plan your child’s first dental visit after the first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Consider it a “well-baby checkup” for your child’s teeth. Clean your child’s teeth to keep them healthy • After every feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or wet washcloth. This removes plaque and bits of food that can harm erupting teeth. • As soon as their first tooth appears (around 6 months old), start brushing your baby’s teeth 2 times a day (morning and night). • Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride (FLOOR-eyed). Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen the outer layer of teeth. • To clean your child’s teeth and gums, you can sit with their head in your lap. That way, you can easily see into their mouth. • The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your child’s teeth until they are at least 6 years old. If they can’t tie their shoes, then they shouldn’t brush their teeth alone. When your child is old enough to do the brushing, watch to make sure they are not “rushing the brushing.” Also, make sure your child spits out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. You can prevent decay in baby teeth Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect the growth of adult teeth. It also can be painful. Your child may avoid eating and speaking normally if they have tooth pain, so it is important to take good care of baby teeth even though they will fall out later. Decay can start as soon as teeth appear in your child’s mouth. Decay happens when baby teeth are in contact for long periods with liquids that have sugar in them. These liquids include sweetened water, soda, fruit juice, and even milk or formula. Tooth decay can happen when you put your baby to bed with a bottle or use bottles to soothe them if they are fussy. Once your baby has started to eat solid foods, they may be given a bottle of water at these times. Do not let your baby or toddler fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than plain water. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you do not give your baby juice until after they turn 1 year old — even 100% juice. If your baby needs comfort between regular feedings or at bedtime, give them a clean pacifier. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey. Do not put the pacifier in your mouth to clean it and then put it in your baby’s mouth. You may pass on decay-causing bacteria to them. Do not allow your child to frequently sip sugary liquids from bottles or training cups. Here are some tips to help protect your child’s teeth from decay: Use the right amount of toothpaste for your child For children under 3 years old For children 3 to 6 years old Healthy baby teeth Initial decay Moderate decay Moderate to severe decay Severe decay Decay in Baby Teeth White lesions Baby Teeth When They Come In, When They Fall Out Parents Baby Teeth When They Come In, When They Fall Out Parents REVISED Pregnancy and Oral Health: It's Important to Visit the Dentist This brochure points out that that good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are important to both mother and baby. It emphasizes the ADA’s position that oral health care is generally safe at any point during pregnancy — even routine radiographs and being given local anesthesia. Explains how increased hormone levels can affect the gums and how to fight tooth decay with a healthy diet and daily home care. Reminds patients to discuss any medications with the dentist. W100 8 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB095 Healthy Smiles for Mother and Baby From pregnancy through baby’s first year, all mothers need this advice. Highlights the importance of mom’s oral health and that dental care is generally safe during pregnancy. Offers tips for starting baby off with healthy habits and finding a dental home. Alerts moms that decay- causing bacteria can be passed to the baby. Order the personalized version of this brochure and generate referrals from local OB-GYNs! W196 8 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB020 STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $82.50 $124.00 400 $196.00 $300.00 800 $360.00 $540.00 Why Baby Teeth Are Important: A Healthy Start is Smart Caring for baby teeth may not be top-of-mind for parents. This brochure directs their attention to caries prevention and the big-picture role of primary teeth. Provides tips for home care and includes tooth decay photos and a primary dentition chart. Advises parents against serving sugary liquids in the bottle. W282 8 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB079 REVISED Baby Teeth: When They Come In, When They Fall Out Shed light on dental development with this illustrated brochure. Features primary and permanent dentition charts and healthy smile photos, plus a diagram of permanent teeth forming in the jaw. Reassures parents that transitional dentition will often even out with time. Also gives the heads-up that age 7 is a perfect time for a bite check. W216 6 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB080 STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $82.50 $124.00 400 $196.00 $300.00 800 $360.00 $540.00 Pricing for Brochures Pricing for Brochures PATIENT EDUCATION 78 ORDER BY PHONE: 800.947.4746 BABIES AND CHILDREN ORDER ONLINE: ADACATALOG.ORG 79