Before Going to the Dentist:

• Read a book about going to the dentist.
• Practice playing dentist for a child who is fearful or unsure about what to expect.
• If your child has a complex medical history, prepare a summary of current medications and treatments.
• Take your child to your dental appointment so she can see mommy and daddy receiving dental care.
• Call ahead to discuss your concerns if your child has significant fears about the dentist so the office staff will be prepared and extra attentive.

• Keep drawers and doors closed and stairs secured from babies and toddlers.
• When children first learn to stand alone, they often use furniture to pull themselves up and balance. 
• Caution your child about drinking from water fountains. 
• If your child plays contact sports, see that he wears a mouth guard.

Caring for your child's teeth

• Start brushing as soon as teeth appear.
• Brush thoroughly twice a day.
• Help your child brush until they are able to do it well by themselves - usually around the age of seven.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit after brushing; do not rinse afterwards as this reduces the benefits of the fluoride in the toothpaste.
• Use a tiny smear of toothpaste for babies and a pea-sized amount for children.
• Young children will swallow the toothpaste; use a children's toothpaste with reduced fluoride until they are able to spit well.
• Visit a dentist regularly to get your child used to the experience.