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Tooth Care: Ages and Stages
Learn how to maintain kids’ oral hygiene as they grow!
Here’s how to keep children’s smiles healthy at every age and stage!
Infant and Toddler:
- Use a soft washcloth to clean baby’s gums and teeth every day, as soon as they come in.
- Schedule a first dental visit within six months after kids’ first tooth, or by their first birthday.
- Soothe a teething child by gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, cold washcloth, or chilled teething ring.
Preschooler:
- Remember to help children brush their teeth.
- Set up regular dental visits. There, you can learn about common concerns such as thumb-sucking and mouth injuries.
School-age child:
- Keep track of your child’s brushing and flossing routines, and help out when needed.
- During a child’s regular dental visits, get advice about caring for baby teeth or new, permanent teeth. Ask for advice on any issues, from using mouth guards for sports to chewing gum.
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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.