Module 4: What to Do and How to Do It

4.6 What is Oral Health Anticipatory Guidance? (continued)

Brush teeth using a fluoridated toothpaste thoroughly twice a day (morning and evening), and floss at least once a day.
Rinse every night with an alcohol-free over-the-counter fluoridated mouth rinse.
Visit a dentist for an examination and restoration of all active decay as soon as possible.

Eat healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, grain products (especially whole grain), and dairy products (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened yogurt) during planned meals and snacks, and limit eating (grazing) in between.
Choose fruit rather than fruit juice. Drink fruit juice only at meals, if at all.
Avoid carbonated beverages during the first 30 months of the infant’s and child’s life.
Drink fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated water source). For families that prefer bottled water, drink a brand in which fluoride is added at a concentration of approximately 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L (ppm).
Once the infant is born, avoid testing the temperature of the bottle with the mouth, sharing utensils (such as forks and spoons), or “cleaning” a pacifier or bottle nipple that has fallen with saliva before giving it back to the infant or child. This practice helps prevent transmission of bacteria that cause tooth decay from the parent, especially the mother, to the infant or child via saliva.

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