Establish and stick to a ‘toothbrushing routine’ every day. Should be done or supervised by an informed parent.

Brush using a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste twice per day, after breakfast and right before bed. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste.

Floss teeth at least once per day. Dental flossers are an easy alternative when the child has a small mouth or if the manual dexterity isn’t yet developed for conventional flossing.

Brush the tongue for fresh breath.

Brush the gums (pink skin around teeth). This is where many bacteria hide, causing gingivitis and cavities. Easier to access when cheeks are loose, so don’t stretch open too wide.

Sugar is broken down by ‘sugarbugs’ (bacteria) into glue, which allows the bugs to stick to the teeth, and acid, which pulls the mineral out of teeth, softening them.

Frequent eaters or drinkers of sugar-containing foods or drinks will need more frequent toothbrushing and flossing.

Rinsing with water after a snack or drink will help to decrease the loss of mineral from teeth.

Chewing xylitol sugarless gum (like Pür or Spry) is especially helpful after eating or drinking and can reduce the number of sugar bugs.

Avoid frequent sugar consumption and ‘sticky’ foods like fruit roll-ups, toffee and granola bars. These can be very harmful to teeth.

Try to give snacks with low cavity-causing potential, e.g. cheeses, nuts, fruits (except dried), vegetables, popcorn, meats.

Try to restrict cavity-causing foods to mealtimes, e.g. chocolate and ice cream for dessert.

Fluoride supplements are useful in helping to prevent cavities. Dosage depends on age and weight of child. Other sources of fluoride must also be considered. If using a pill, the child chews it and leaves on teeth overnight.