Remember to rinse well with water. Floride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Fluoride in drinking water can reduce tooth decay by 15 to 40 percent. If you do not have fluoride in your water, discuss with parents the possibility of using fluoride drops or tablets. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste can result in mottled or spotted and discolored teeth.
Children frequently suck their thumb even in the womb.
Thumb sucking should cause little concern in the early years, and most children will gradually wean themselves from this habit. After age 5, however, thumb sucking can affect the development of permanent teeth and jaws. Children who continue to suck their thumb by age 5 should be gently discouraged from continuing this habit. Eating healthy foods is directly related to having and maintaining healthy teeth. Avoid or limit sweet drinks, candy, jelly, jam, cake, cookies, sugared gelatin, and sticky fruits such as dates or raisins.