February is Children’s Dental Health Month and at ELFHCC we know that protecting your child’s smile is a team effort. There are a few things you can do at home to help our dental team ensure your child has good oral health and a beautiful smile.
Here’s what you as a parent can do to help your child’s mouth stay healthy and prevent cavities:
FOR BABIES
- Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
- When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water.
- Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot signs of problems early.
- Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
FOR CHILDREN
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.*
- Drink tap water that contains fluoride.**
- Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.
To schedule a dental appointment for your child, please call 412-661-2802 or visit elfhcc.com/health-services/dental to learn about our dental services.
*If your child is younger than 6, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow. Help your child brush until they have good brushing skills.
**To see if your community’s water is fluoridated, you can view your water system on CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride website. You can also call your water utility company and request a copy of the utility’s most recent “Consumer Confidence Report.”