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.
Let's Play Outside
Learning happens everywhere! Explore "outdoor science" ideas that encourage children to engage with the world around them.
Brushy Brush
These catchy tunes build healthy habits while helping little ones practice oral health.
Healthy Together: Celebrating & Practicing Whole-Family Health
Use these whole-family activity pages to explore new ways to build healthy habits and take care of yourselves… as a family.
Happy Dance
Sesame Street with Bounce Patrol
These high-energy tunes get little ones moving and grooving together.
Potty Time with Elmo
Elmo reads this animated storybook in an app filled with games, songs, stickers and potty progress chart that all help ease your child through toilet training.
Small Steps, Healthy Wins
A course for clinicians that offers evidence- and strengths-based guidance to aid in your work supporting families in building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
