Nothing makes your heart sing quite like the sight of your baby’s smile. Read on for some quick tips from your Michigan Dental Association dentist designed to help you keep that precious smile healthy and bright.

• If your child relies on a bottle during bedtimes or at naps, make sure you use only water in the bottle. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid, such as milk, formula, juice or soda pop may lead to tooth decay.
• To prevent decay, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feedings.
• As soon as the first tooth comes in, begin brushing with a little water and continue to clean the gums that remain toothless.
• Help your child brush and be sure to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Teach them to spit out toothpaste and to rinse with water.
• Set a good example for your child! Brush your own teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Be positive about dental visits and visit your dentist regularly.
• Make sure your child gets enough fluoride. Talk with your dentist about fluoride supplements if your child does not get enough fluoride through your water supply.
• Get your child on the right track by starting regular dental visits by age one.
• Ask your dentist for advice on sealants and mouthguards to protect your child from tooth decay and injury.
• Let your dentist know about your child’s health so your dentist can make the appropriate recommendation for care.

For more ways to keep your entire family smiling on talk to your Michigan Dental Association member dentist. And smile on!

Nothing makes your heart sing quite like the sight of your baby’s smile. Read on for some quick tips from your Michigan Dental Association dentist designed to help you keep that precious smile healthy and bright.

• If your child relies on a bottle during bedtimes or at naps, make sure you use only water in the bottle. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid, such as milk, formula, juice or soda pop may lead to tooth decay.
• To prevent decay, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feedings.
• As soon as the first tooth comes in, begin brushing with a little water and continue to clean the gums that remain toothless.
• Help your child brush and be sure to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Teach them to spit out toothpaste and to rinse with water.
• Set a good example for your child! Brush your own teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Be positive about dental visits and visit your dentist regularly.
• Make sure your child gets enough fluoride. Talk with your dentist about fluoride supplements if your child does not get enough fluoride through your water supply.
• Get your child on the right track by starting regular dental visits by age one.
• Ask your dentist for advice on sealants and mouthguards to protect your child from tooth decay and injury.
• Let your dentist know about your child’s health so your dentist can make the appropriate recommendation for care.

For more ways to keep your entire family smiling on talk to your Michigan Dental Association member dentist. And smile on!