A healthy mouth means a healthy child. By staying on top of your child’s oral care, you can make sure they continue smiling, learning, talking, sleeping, and growing without the pain of cavities and other serious oral problems.  In fact, children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who have good oral health.

Parents play an important part in helping children create healthy oral habits early in their lives. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. Visits when children are young can help find problems before they become too serious. It also helps kids get used to visiting the dentist, so they will have less fear about going as they get older.

Here are three tips parents and caretakers can follow to make sure their kids have healthy teeth for years to come.

Visit a Dentist or Dental Hygienist for Cleanings Every Six Months

Professional dental cleanings and scaling can help reduce plaque buildup, so your child’s smile stays clean and bright. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about applying dental sealants which are a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent most cavities.

Serve Healthy Food and Drinks

Diet is very important in developing and keeping strong and healthy teeth. Try serving fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples for snacks instead of sodas and candies. Eating too much sugary foods can cause cavities and damage your child’s teeth.

Stay On Top of Dental Care at Home

Children under six will need guidance from parents or caretakers to help them brush their teeth. To make their experience positive, use a soft brush made for children. Break down the brushing into small steps so they can learn and practice on their own. You can use songs or games to make it fun and exciting. It is important to brush at least twice a day. Before bedtime is the most important time for everyone, so don’t skip it!

To learn more ways to help keep your child’s smile healthy, click here . Doctors Care has a listed of recommended dental resources for those who are on Medicaid or uninsured. You can find those resources here.