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.
Elmo’s World: Dance Party
Watch and dance along with Elmo, Grover, and friends from around the world!
Abelardo’s Family Day
A storybook about the many ways families can spend time together and stay active!
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.
Sun’s Up, Sun’s Down: Healthy Families & Healthy Days
A storybook about all the healthy habits that make up our daily routines!
Sleepy Stars
Use this printable to try out some new wind-down strategies for bedtime.
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.
