Tips to Keep Your Kids' Smiles Happy and Healthy

10 Tips for Good Dental Care

1. Lead by example. Show your kids that taking care of your teeth is important and not so hard by practicing good oral health yourself.
2. Choose a dentist thoughtfully. Be sure to select someone who you and your family like and trust. It will make visits more pleasant for everyone.
3. Stick to the recommended schedule. Take your kids to the dentist regularly—usually every six months—for routine cleanings and check-ups. Not only is this good for their dental health, it can also help your children build a comfort level with the dentist.
4. Remind them to brush. Always ask your children if they brushed their teeth before they leave for school, and when they are getting ready for bed. If teeth-brushing cooperation is a constant struggle, try making it fun by brushing your teeth at the same time, humming a silly song, or agreeing to "brush" a doll's teeth after they brush theirs.
5. Encourage them to brush at school. A travel toothbrush can be easily packed in your child’s backpack so that he or she can brush after snacks and lunch while at school. This might be tricky in the early years, but as they get older they will start to care about maintaining their pearly whites.
6. Teach the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing and may also help prevent gum disease. Gum disease may be associated with health complications later in life. It can also help eliminate bacteria that can lead to bad breath.
7. Make sure your child eats breakfast every day. There is evidence that young people who eat a high protein breakfast have noticeable reductions in cravings for sweets later in the day, creating an environment that will be less prone to decay.¹
8. Replace soda and juice with water.Encourage them early on to choose water as their go-to drink. Sugary beverages leave the teeth coated and ripe for decay. When they do have a sweet drink, have them use a straw. This reduces their teeth’s exposure to sugar.
9. Reduce sugar in their diets. While this may not be easy, this effort is important to so many aspects of their health beyond just their teeth. Replace sugary snacks with healthy alternatives, such as fruit, cheese, and veggie sticks. Reserve sweet drinks and treats for special occasions. And, read labels—you might be surprised to discover all the places where sugar hides.
10. Reward healthy habits. Leave small tokens or rewards from the “tooth fairy", every now and then, to reward your child for practicing good oral health.

Your Child's First Dental Appointment

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, a child should visit the dentist six months after they get their first teeth.² Although that may sound early, tooth decay can happen with your baby’s first tooth.³Taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday is the best way to catch any problems early. If your child is more than one year old already and hasn’t been to the dentist yet, simply make an appointment as soon as you can.

Making a dentist appointment. Choose an appointment time when your child is usually well-rested and cooperative. It's also helpful to be sure they had a light meal and brushed their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.

Before the visit. Talk with your child about what to expect during the visit and get them excited. Maybe pick up a children’s book at the library about a first trip to the dentist. Don’t let others tell your child scary stories about the dentist. If you’re anxious on the day of their first visit, try not to show it. Their first visit to the dentist is a chance for you and your kid to get comfortable with the whole routine.

At the visit. Your dentist and hygienist will show you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and mouth. The dentist will examine your child for tooth decay, and talk with you about fluoride needs and oral habits such as thumb-sucking. You’ll also learn more about how to teach your child good oral hygiene habits.