While we all want our kids to have good dental habits, it’s challenging without having a hint of how to do that. To help, Dr. Miller and our staff at Community Dental Group offer these 7 straight-forward suggestions:

1. An Early Start: As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, make daily cleaning a habit.  Later on, cleaning will become brushing, but that switch is easier when the habit is already in place.

2. Consistent Times: Have a set cleaning time, twice a day, everyday for cleaning/brushing and flossing to guard against tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Fluoride Use: Your child’s tooth enamel can be strengthened by cleaning with a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. But try to not let them swallow any.

4. Smart Eating: With a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains, your child will have healthier teeth and gums.

5. First Dental Visit:  Your child can be seen by a pediatric dentist within 6 months after the first tooth erupts, which is usually around age 1, as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends.   Dr. Miller begins seeing pediatric patients at age 3.

6. Regular Dental Visits: Make sure your child sees Dr. Miller every six months to prevent cavities, confirm normal development and guard against oral health issues.

7. Dental Sealing: Talk to Dr. Miller about applying a sealant to protect back teeth from cavities.