### When to Take Your Child to the Dentist and How to Prevent Cavities #### When to Take Your Child to the Dentist You should take your child to the dentist when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early visits help catch potential problems like baby bottle tooth decay or cavities before they become serious. #### How to Prevent Cavities in Kids 1. **Fluoride**: Ensure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. Optimal levels in water are about one part per million. If your water isn't fluoridated, consult your pediatrician or dentist for fluoride supplements. 2. **Diet**: Limit juice intake to one cup a day, and encourage two glasses of milk and three glasses of water daily. Opt for snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Avoid peeling fruits as the peels contain essential nutrients and help clean teeth. 3. **Toothpaste**: Once your child can spit, usually around age three, switch to fluoridated toothpaste. Ensure they brush after breakfast and before bed, with no food or drink except water afterward. 4. **Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers**: Wean your child off thumb sucking or pacifier use by age 2 ½ to 3 to prevent dental issues like crossbite and protruding teeth. 5. **First Dental Visit Preparation**: Make the first visit fun and exciting. Explain the process in simple terms like “count,” “brush,” and “take pictures” of their teeth. Avoid negative words and reassure them that the dentist will be gentle and friendly.