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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. 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 2008.
2 “Snack Smart for Health Teeth.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. August 1, 2008.
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/OralHealthInformation/ChildrensOralHealth/SnackSmartforHealthyTeeth Accessed 2008.
3 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums.” American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp Accessed 2008.

Date Last Reviewed: 12/8/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/12/2008
The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. This article is provided for information only. Please consult with a licensed dentist to discuss the best way for you to improve or maintain your oral health.

In all cases, specific group contract provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions take precedence over oral health recommendations given here. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group.