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Children - A Parent's Checklist (to avoid cavities)

How to Avoid Cavities in Your Kid's Teeth

Children 6 to 8 Months


  • Avoid using the bottle as a means of comfort. Also, avoid prolonged periods with the bottle in their mouth. The longer the teeth are in contact with sweet or acidic foods or drink, the greater the likelihood of decay. 
  • Ideally, water should be given for thirst. Always consider the acidity and sweetness of anything you place inside your child's bottle.
  • Cleaning Teeth - As soon as their first tooth erupts, start cleaning their teeth everyday.
  • Teething - Stay away from using lemon juice on the gums once your teeth begin to emerge. The high acidity will lead to demineralization of the erupting teeth and put your child at an early disadvantage for decay.  For more info., see my blog on teething. 
  • Pacifiers - Don't dip them in any food stuffs (ie. honey) or liquids. 
  • Their first cup - Consider introducing the cup between the ages of 6 to 8 months.

Children 18 to 21 Months


  • Ideally, water should be given for thirst. Always consider the acidity and sweetness of anything you place inside your child's bottle.
  • Try to stick to nutritious snacks and drinks. 
  • Cleaning Teeth - Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the teeth and gums.
  • Avoid using the bottle as a means of comfort. Also, avoid prolonged periods with the bottle in their mouth. The longer the teeth are in contact with sweet or acidic foods or drink, the greater the likelihood of decay. Begin their weaning off the bottle at 12 months of age. You can introduce a cup from the age of 6 to 8 months.
  • Pacifiers - never dip the pacifier in any food products or  liquids. Encourage complete weaning off of the pacifier from 12 months of age. For more info., including suggestions on weaning, see our section on pacifiers.


Children 3 to 3 1/2 Years Old 


  • Encourage water as the preferred drink for thirst.
  • Encourage Nutritious Snacks and Drinks. 
  • Cleaning Teeth - Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the teeth and gums. A smear of low fluoride containing toothpaste can be introduced as soon as your child can spit out. 
  • Pacifiers - If a pacifier is still in use, you might want to consider some strategies for complete weaning. See our section on pacifiers. 
  • Thumb or Finger Sucking - It’s possible that the habit may cause orthodontic problems if it continues after the permanent front teeth erupt (around six to seven years of age). 
  • Dental Visits - It’s a good idea for younger children to tag along at their brothers or sisters check-up. It helps familiarize and acclimate them to the dental office. 
  • Check-ups - This visit can be a positive experience for the child and allows the parent to ask questions relating to the child’s development.

School Age Children


  • Avoid sweet foods and drinks between meals.
  • Try to get them in the habit of drinking water for thirst.
  • Cleaning Teeth - Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the teeth and gums. Use a child’s fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child is brushing regularly after meals and floss at least once daily. 
  • Encourage Nutritious Snacks and Drinks.
  • Dental Visits - Make sure your child regularly sees your family dentist. Ask about the application of fissure sealants at your next appointment. 





We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental  website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist. 

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Location: Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA

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