I’ve been around a long time and if there’s one thing that I know for certain, it’s that quality dental care (not fairy dust) is essential for a child’s well-being. I encourage parents to promote good dental care to their children—including daily habits like brushing and flossing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies show that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. and dental disease can affect many aspects of a child’s life, from developing poor eating and sleeping habits to disrupting school performance and even lowering their self-esteem. That’s why it’s so important for children to see a dentist—it’s never too early to start developing good oral health habits.

During National Children’s Oral Health Month, I want to make sure your child’s smile stays healthy by providing the facts on preventative steps that you can take to stop oral health problems before they start. Here are few things to keep in mind.when scheduling your child’s annual dental visit:

1. Kids should get their first oral exam as soon as their first tooth comes in.
2. Usually a child’s first dental visit is a “get to know you” appointment. They are introduced to the things they will experience during routine visits. If the child is willing, comfortable and cooperative, x-rays, cleaning and a dental exam will be completed.
3. Establishing a “dental home” for your child earlier in life will also allow him/her to get to know the dentist and become more comfortable in a dental setting. It can also enable the dentist to learn more about your child’s needs earlier or before problems occur.
4. Before your visit to the dentist, remember to keep it positive. Talk in a calm, upbeat tone leading up to the appointment.
5. Bring a soothing item from home. A blanket or favorite toy can distract your tot, while making him or her more comfortable.
6. Try to choose a kid-friendly dentist office. Some parents choose pediatric dentists for their children because the office atmosphere is designed specifically for children. Many locations include colorful waiting rooms, books, toys and video games.
7. Praise your child after the appointment. Remember, this check-up was a big deal to your little one. Express how proud you are of him or her for braving another dentist visit.
8. Protect your child’s teeth year round with daily brushing and flossing twice a day. If you have an active child, mouth guards are essential to protect teeth for almost every sport during both practices and games.
9. Make dental visits a regular event. As your child gets older, he or she should have dental checkups as often as the dentist advises. Most dentists recommend a dental visit every six months to help prevent cavities and other problems.

For more information about National Children’s Oral Health Month or to learn more about the importance of dental visits and oral health, visit DeltaDentalAR.com. You will find links to lesson plans, activity pages, oral health facts, and tons of fun materials to help make your dental visit successful! And who knows? Maybe I’ll be visiting your house soon!

The Tooth Fairy is a fantastical being who collects children’s teeth all around the world! She lives in a land far, far away and uses only the cleanest, healthiest teeth to build her pearly white palace. However, she doesn’t work alone! The Tooth Fairy has tons of friends, such as Magical Mouse in Argentina and Sweden, or helper elves in European countries, who help collect teeth and leave children a prize in return. For more information about the Tooth Fairy and her amazing adventures, visit The Original Tooth Fairy Poll.

Dr. Robert Mason is the Vice President of Professional Relations at Delta Dental of Arkansas—the state’s largest dental benefits provider—which currently serves more than 1.8 million members throughout the country. Dr. Mason earned his DMD from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. An Arkansas native, he served as President of the Arkansas State Dental Association from 2010 to 2011.