The earlier you start, the easier it will be. That’s the bottom line when it comes to encouraging healthy habits in kids. That’s especially true for oral health. Healthy baby teeth lead to a lifetime of better oral and overall health. So let’s get started. Below are 3 actions to protect baby teeth — and 8 ways to make them easier.

Brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.

What you’ll want to do: Brush twice a day using a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.

How you’ll make it easier:

• Head-to-lap. Sit on a bed, couch, or the floor and place the back of your child’s head in your lap. This position allows for the best angle to brush along the gum line and teeth (45 degrees). It also allows you to more easily lift their lips and cheeks out of the way so you can reach each tooth.
• Play copy-cat. Babies and toddlers learn a lot from mimicking their parents — why not use it to your advantage? Brush your teeth in front of your baby often to show them how it’s done, and turn it into a game of monkey-see-monkey-do.
• Make it fun! Turn brushing into a fun time of the day (and night!) with two-minute teeth-brushing songs or videos, and toothbrushes featuring their favorite cartoon character. Use small rewards like stickers each time your little one brushes.

Drinking tap water for thirst.

What you’ll want to do: Give tap water instead of juice for thirst as soon as your child can hold a sippy cup. Starting early helps having to break sugary habits as they grow.

How you’ll make it easier:

• Make it fun. Adding fruit to water in a lidded sippy cup makes it look and taste more exciting. Use fruits like berries, or throw some extra pieces in during snack time for when you’re in a crunch. Let your child pick out fruits they would like to try.
• Grab-and-go. Prep a sippy cup (or two or three) and leave it in the fridge for a cold grab-and-go option when you’re headed out the door, or when snack time gets hectic.

Visiting the dentist.

What you’ll want to do: Make your baby a dental appointment by their first birthday. The dentist or doctor will simply check their teeth and give you tips on how to keep them healthy.
And if you are pregnant, make sure to get your dental checkup before the baby is born.

How you’ll make it easier:

• Talk to your dentist. Making appointments can be difficult with a busy schedule. Find a dental office with hours that work for your schedule, like weekend or afternoon appointments, or joint appointments for your kids or even you and your baby.
• Happy Birthday! For your baby’s first birthday, give the gift of a lifetime of overall health. Set a reminder on your cell phone to make an appointment a few weeks before their big day, and turn the visit into a celebration.
• Plan around your child’s existing schedule. If your children are rested and not hungry, the visit will go better. You know your little ones and their daily routines best — schedule accordingly.
• Get connected. Our trusted DentistLink tool can help connect you to a dentist that takes your insurance (including Apple Health) today!