Caring for Older Kids’ Teeth
Kids ages 6 to 12 need to take good care of their mouths so their smiles last a lifetime.1 As a parent, you can help. Here are some suggestions:
Take your child to see a dental professional regularly.1
Encourage kids to eat a balanced diet.1
Limit sugary snacks between meals. Instead, offer healthy snacks such as fresh fruits and raw veggies, nuts, low-fat cheese, and plain crackers.2
Make sure your child wears the proper protective gear, such as a mouthguard, during sporting events.1
Get kids to brush twice a day and floss once per day. Swap old toothbrushes with new ones every three or four months.3
What about the occasional toothache? Ease toothaches with a cold compress and some acetaminophen.1
1“Helpful Hints for a Healthy Smile.” Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/foundation/hints.asp Accessed 2010.
2 “Diet and Snacking." American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/snacking. Accessed 2010.
3 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.
Online Editor:
Sims, Jane
Online Medical Reviewer:
Eakle, Stephan W., DDS
Date Last Reviewed:
12/8/2008
Date Last Modified:
12/7/2010