Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away. Harsh words, but oh, so true. So, how early and how often and how best should you take care of your children’s teeth? According to the AAP, dental and oral diseases continue to plague kids even with all the advances that have taken place with oral health.

Follow these tips to help your kids develop good dental habits and take a real bite out of dental diseases:

• Schedule regular check-ups with a dental professional (every 6  months)
• Get enough flouride (it can be found in or added to water and toothpaste)
• Brush and floss regularly( twice a day is ideal)
• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of water

Dental cleaning should begin as soon as your baby gets his first tooth. Simply using a damp cloth or piece of gauze to wipe the first few teeth will do wonders as far as prevention of dental disease goes. The AAP recommends that all infants receive an oral health risk assessment by 6 months of age. And all kids should have a comprehensive dental exam by a dentist in their early toddler years. Hopefully, these guidelines will bring a smile to your child’s face for years to come.  And note to moms and dads: these tips for kids apply to you too!