Tips for Parents

A healthy smile is an important part of overall health. Parents play a key role in helping to make dental care a part of their child's daily routine.

Here are some tips to help parents encourage good dental habits:

• start early to teach your child the importance of taking good care of their teeth
• have your child brush his teeth at least twice each day, for at least two minutes - the simple 2 for 2 plan
• use a soft bristle toothbrush—one to fit your child's size
• for children up to three 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 
• chewing sugarless gum with xylitol, 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 six to nine 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
• good eating habits are important for your child's overall health and for strong, healthy teeth

Toothbrushing Log- download this fun tool for children to track their 2 for 2 brushing (505kb PDF)
Colouring Sheet(345kb PDF)
2 for 2 song

For more information you can speak one-to-one with a health professional, call Your Health Connection at (705) 721-7520 or 1 877-721-7520.