• forceful sucking
• sucking often during the day
• sucking throughout the night rather than just at bedtime
• sucking which causes changes to the position of teeth, mouth and/or lips
• sucking along with tongue thrusting and speech difficulties
• sucking causing calluses on finger or thumb

If after the age of four a child is unable to give up the habit, ask a dental professional for advice.

• Brush your child's teeth every day - in the morning and at bedtime.
• Use a child-size soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a pea-sized or less amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Children under age 3 should NOT use fluoridated toothpaste unless they are supervised and are able to spit out the toothpaste.
• Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water. Toothpaste should not be swallowed.
• Floss your child's teeth daily, especially the teeth that contact each other and the teeth at the back (molars). Children will still need you to floss their teeth until they are able to do it by themselves, usually around age 9 years.
  

Decay can occur as soon as the first teeth come in. Be your child's first dentist. Here's what you can do. Lift the lip and look. There may be stains or chalky white spots near the gum line or inner surfaces of the upper front teeth. If you notice these signs of early childhood tooth decay, consult your dentist or dental professional.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends the first visit should take place around one year old. The goal is to introduce your child to the dental office before a problem develops. At this time the dentist can examine your child and give helpful advice on good mouth care for you and your child.

Injuries to toddlers' teeth and mouths occur often. Although the child may not complain of pain, do not ignore falls and bumps.

A primary tooth that is fractured or discolored may become infected. Infection can seriously damage the permanent tooth underneath.