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If anyone is understands why regular dental care is essential for a child’s wellbeing, it’s me -- the Tooth Fairy! While traveling the globe in search of healthy teeth, I’ve learned that for many children, cavities are nearly 90 percent preventable. 

Whether your child is a tiny tot or a terrific teenager, establishing good oral health habits and providing the facts on prevention can help stop oral health problems before they start.  February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and here are a few of my favorite “toothtastic” tips to ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy through the years. 

Ages 0-3

While your baby is busy learning about ABC’s and 123’s, their gums and teeth are also busy developing and growing. That’s why it is never too early to start developing good oral health habits. 

  • Clean your baby’s gums and teeth from birth by wiping with a soft damp, clean cloth after each feeding to help get rid of unwanted bacteria. 
  • Kids should get their first oral exam as soon as their first tooth comes in or no later than age 1. By visiting the dentist early, parents are able to establish a “dental home” for your child. 
  • Young children tend to swallow most of their toothpaste. Therefore, brushing with toothpaste isn’t necessary – or recommended – for another couple of years.  Instead use water and make sure your child begins to understand the basics of brushing.

Ages 4-12

By now, your child is ready to showcase their stuff in school and their teeth are ready to show off too! Maintaining good oral health habits will help them to be productive in school and other areas in life. 

  • Children usually begin to lose baby teeth around age 6 and will grow permanent teeth until age 13. Your child’s dentist may discuss sealants with you to help reduce the chances of tooth decay forming in their mouth.
  • Make sure to supervise your kids brushing until age 8. By now, they should understand how to spit out excess toothpaste and brush for two minutes, two times a day, and begin flossing.
  • Healthy meals make for healthy teeth. Be sure to limit sweets and instead offer tooth-friendly meals and snacks like cheese, yogurt, lean meats, veggies and fruit.

Ages 13-18

As your child gets older, he or she should have dental checkups as often as the dentist advises. Most dentists recommend a visit every six months to help prevent cavities and other problems. 

  • Continue to protect your child’s teeth year round with daily brushing and flossing. 
  • If you have a teenager who is active in sports, mouth guards are essential to protect teeth during both practices and games.
  • Teens should cut back on sugary sodas and sports drinks to help protect against tooth decay. Instead, encourage kids to hydrate by drinking more water. 

For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month or to learn more about the importance of good oral health, visit www.deltadentalar.com. You will find links to activity pages, oral health facts, videos and tons of fun materials to help keep your child’s teeth healthy for many years to come! 

About the Tooth Fairy: The Tooth Fairy is a fantastical being that 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. For more information about the Tooth Fairy and her amazing adventures, visit www.theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com. 

About Delta Dental’s Contributing Author:  Dr. Robert Mason is the vie president of professional relations and dental director at Delta Dental of Arkansas. He earned his DMD from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.