Dental care tips for children ages 1-3, including brushing, diet, and habit management.

Toddlers should have their teeth brushed twice daily by a parent using a smear of fluoride toothpaste. As children develop, they can start participating in brushing, though supervision is needed until around age 7 to ensure thorough cleaning. Common concerns during this stage include baby bottle tooth decay, pacifier use, and thumb sucking. Limiting sugary drinks, avoiding putting children to bed with bottles, and encouraging sippy cup transition help protect developing teeth.