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10 Tips for Healthy Teeth
Try these strategies for healthy smiles.
Ten Tips for a Healthy, Happy Smile
- Brush at least twice a day—after breakfast and before bed.
- Take turns! Preschoolers are still developing the muscles and skills to brush on their own. Help kids brush. Then, ask them to take the lead and imitate your actions.
- Brush in tiny, gentle circles. Make sure to get the front, back, top, and bottom.
- Make it fun! Kids should brush for about two minutes. Sing the alphabet song to keep track of time.
- Fill kids’ diets with “anytime foods.” These include fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat cheese.
- Drink water; it’s good for teeth and bodies!
- Brush or rinse after a snack, and space meals and snacks to give kids’ mouths a chance to wash away food.
- Visit the dentist twice a year.
- Ask the doctor or nurse to look at kids’ teeth and gums at their next visit.
- Let kids see you take care of your own teeth by modeling good brushing and eating habits.
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Connecting & Communicating
Communication and connection with families is key to building a strong, effective healthy team.
![Visiting the Doctor Activity Guide Book.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Quest_ActivityGuidev2-copy-667x500.png)
Visiting the Doctor: Helping Kids Grow Up Strong & Healthy
Preparation and communication help you get the best care for your child at every medical visit.
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Communicating at Doctor’s Visits
Good communication leads to good care for your child.
![an Illustrated Elmo holding a doll next to Abby Cadabby.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SSIC_Quest_Interactive_LetsGoToDoctor-667x500.jpg)
Elmo and Abby’s Check-up Play Date
Pretend play can help children “rehearse” situations that may frighten them.
![A storybook cover featuring Rosita hugging a doctor.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSIC-Quest-April-Storybook-RositasFavorite-ENG-2-667x500.jpg)
Rosita’s Favorite
Regular check-ups can be a fun and informative experience for the whole healthy team, kids included!
![An adult adjusts a traditional Native American headpiece of a child.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSIC-Quest-April-Video-Reignen-2-667x500.jpg)
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Reignen
A video about the different ways a Native American child and his family stay healthy.
![A family walks through a field holding hands.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSIC-Quest-April-Video-Wastatse-Family-667x500.jpg)
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Wa.Sta.Tse
A video about the different ways a Native American child and her family stay healthy.