What is an Oral Health Checklist for 3-Year-Olds?
A child should have about 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at Cincinnati Children's provide the following advice for the oral health of 3-year-olds:
- Limit sodas, juice and drinks containing sugar and caffeine
- Encourage milk and water for drinking
- Limit snacking between meals
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride unless advised otherwise by your dentist
- Floss your child’s teeth every day
- Examine your child's teeth regularly
- Make sure your child has regular dental check-ups
