Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter! Fluoride helps make teeth stronger and protects them from decay. It is a mineral that occurs naturally and is found in many water sources. Children who drink water that has the recommended levels of fluoride are less likely to get cavities than children who do not drink fluoridated water. Fluoride is also found in anti-cavity toothpastes, mouthrinses and treatments applied in the dental office. Talk to your dentist about your child’s fluoride needs. Be sure to tell your child’s dentist if you use well or bottled water or if you use a water treatment system at home. Protect teeth with sealants A sealant is a plastic material that your dentist can easily apply to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. The sealant flows into the pits and grooves in the teeth — places where a toothbrush might miss. Sealants protect teeth from plaque and acid attacks. With good oral care at home and regular dental visits, children can reach adulthood without suffering from tooth decay and other oral health problems. Diet can affect your child’s teeth The food and drinks you give your child can affect their oral health. Everyone, including your child, has plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque can build up if it isn’t removed from your child’s teeth every day. The plaque bacteria feed on the sugar that’s found in the food and drinks you give your child. The bacteria create acids from this sugar supply. These acids can attack the hard, protective layer of enamel on your child’s teeth for up to 20 minutes after they finish eating and drinking. Repeated acid attacks can affect your child’s teeth, causing problems like erosion or decay, which can lead to infection in other parts of the body. For good dental and overall health, be sure your child eats a healthy diet. If your child needs a between- meal snack, choose healthy foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat/high protein foods. To help prevent tooth decay, save sweets for mealtime.American Healthy baby teeth Initial decay Moderate decay Moderate to severe decay Severe decay Decay in Baby Teeth White lesions • Brushing teeth twice a day and cleaning between teeth once a day are important to keep teeth and gums healthy. • Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. Replace it every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Worn toothbrushes won’t clean teeth properly. • Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child. Be sure you are in charge of the toothpaste and your child knows it is not food. Do not use more toothpaste because your child likes the flavor! • Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste. • Supervise children while they brush their teeth. If they can’t tie their shoes, they shouldn’t brush their teeth alone. • As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, clean between them every day. If floss will not work, use another type of between-the-teeth cleaner. Your dentist can help you decide which type works best for your child’s mouth. Ways to keep your child’s mouth healthy Use the right amount of toothpaste for your child For children under three years old For children three to six years old Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Choose oral health products that display the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This means they are both safe and effective in keeping your child’s mouth healthy. For ideas about healthy foods and drinks to give your child, see www.choosemyplate.gov. Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking and Pacifier Use Parents Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking and Pacifier Use This brochure helps explain to parents why children suck on fingers and thumbs and how the habit can impede proper mouth growth and development. • Features photos of malocclusion caused by sucking thumbs and bottles • Offers tips on when and how to stop a child from thumb sucking W218 4 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! DAB099 Happiness is a Healthy Smile: A Message for Parents This popular title is a terrific overview of dental health for kids. • Touches on home care, nutrition, fluoride, sealants, regular dental visits and sports safety • Includes recommendations for fluoride toothpaste amounts W290 6 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! DAB030 Gently guide parents in the first years of their child's path toward lifelong oral health. Pricing for Brochures STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $30.00 $45.00 2–9 $25.50 $38.25 10+ $22.50 $33.75 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $90.00 $135.00 400 $216.00 $324.00 800 $408.00 $616.00 Provide ADA essential brochures to the parents of your youngest patients! Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist Parents Set up your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles by starting dental visits early. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that your child’s first visit to the dentist happens when their first tooth appears but no later than their first birthday. Baby teeth can start to decay as soon as they come in. It is important that your child is as comfortable as possible with their dentist so they develop healthy habits. This first visit is a “well-baby checkup” for your child’s teeth. It’s best for your child to have a pleasant first meeting with the dentist. Don’t wait until pain or an emergency comes up to introduce them to the dental office. W11020 To order additional copies, call 800.947.4746 or visit ADAcatalog.org ©2020 American Dental Association All rights reserved. Produced in cooperation with the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Initial decay photo courtesy of David M. Hassan, DMD. ADA Healthy Smile Tips • your day with a fluoride toothpaste. • your daily. • a healthy that sugary and snacks. • for prevention of disease. information about taking care of your mouth and MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website just for patients. In this brochure: • Why it’s important to schedule your child’s first dental visit before their first birthday • When to expect your child’s baby teeth to come in, fall out • How to prevent tooth decay in baby teeth • Tips on making the first dental visit a positive one for your child First visit by first birthday Tips for your child’s first dental visit • If possible, schedule an appointment for a time when your child tends to be rested and cooperative. Don’t schedule during nap time. • Stay positive. Don’t show any anxiety that you might feel about dental visits. • Never bribe your child to go to the dentist or use the visit as a punishment or threat. • Make your child’s dental visit an enjoyable outing. Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits early can lead to a lifetime of good dental health. Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth: Baby Teeth Can Get Cavities! Help parents protect their little ones from tooth decay with this essential ADA brochure. • Explains how decay in primary teeth can have effects on child’s tooth development and general health • Informs parents which damaging habits to avoid, such as constant sipping on-the-go or in bed • Features stages of decay photos that make a strong visual impression LANGUAGES AVAILABLE W166 English, 8 panels, 50 per pack W266 Spanish PERSONALIZE IT! DAB017 BEST SELLER Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist Prepare parents for what to expect during their child’s first visit to the dentist with this ADA resource. • Advises parents to schedule a well-baby checkup with a dentist by the child’s first birthday • Gives tips for how to have a successful first visit that minimizes stress and fear • Resource they can refer back to for information on how to prevent decay in their baby’s teeth and when to expect teeth to come in or fall out W11020 8 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! DAB006 ORDER BY PHONE: 800.947.4746 82 83 ORDER ONLINE: ADASTORE.ORG PATIENT EDUCATION BABIES AND CHILDREN