How to help your caregiver with this topic

• Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle, even just water. It is a hard habit to unlearn and makes it more difficult for the caregiver who isn't giving your child the bottle in the crib.


• Teach your baby to drink from a cup (usually by one year of age).


• If your child does not have a dentist, find one. See Sources of Health and Dental Care Section.


• Make sure your caregiver has current contact information for you, and anyone that is authorized to pick up your child.


• If you are called for a dental emergency, make sure that someone responds immediately.


• Include dental information on health records supplied to the caregiver.


• Make sure you caregiver has current contact information for your child's dentist in case of emergency; keep this information with you (in your purse or wallet). In an emergency, you may be the one to call ahead - your caregiver will be busy with the emergency and the other children.


• Supply your caregiver with child sized toothbrushes for your child.


• Ask you child's dentist if s/he would be willing to speak at a parent's meeting about the importance of good oral health.


• Make your caregiver a cold pack bag using a soft fabric in a print that appeals to kids.