FLUORIDE AND DENTAL CARE: Fluoride is important to strengthen tooth enamel against cavities. Your child’s primary source of fluoride is the water she drinks. That is why our local public water supply is fluoridated.  If your tap water at home comes from a private well, your child will need a fluoride supplement beginning at 6 months of age. Bottled water may or may not contain fluoride. For children who spend a majority of the day away from home at daycare or school, the fluoride content of that water should also be considered before fluoride supplementation is begun. Please ask one of our providers if fluoride supplementation is advisable.  You should start brushing your infant’s teeth as soon as the first one erupts. Use a very small amount of non-fluoride containing toothpaste on a small toothbrush and let her chew on it briefly to distribute the toothpaste inside the mouth and then brush gently.

To further your child’s dental health we recommend eliminating her bottle by 12-18 months and limiting sugary between-meal snacks and beverages. Children should never be put to bed with a bottle. Not only does this cause cavities as sugar sits on the child’s teeth all night but can also result in choking. Children should begin seeing a dentist when they are 3 years old.