A healthy smile isn’t just a beautiful expression. It could be an indicator of overall health and performance, starting at an early age.

Research shows that dental problems correlate with missed school days and poorer academic performance. Further, when teeth are discolored or damaged, they can interfere with a child’s ability to speak and smile, and negatively influence their self-confidence. Down the line, these kinds of problems may even impact a person’s job prospects and social life. And according to the American Dental Association (ADA), periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to cavities, aka tooth decay, as “one of the greatest unmet health treatment needs.” More than half of children have had a cavity, with 52% of 6-year-olds having at least one in their baby teeth and 57% of 12-to-19-year-olds having at least one cavity in their adult teeth; and, according to the CDC, and kids from lower-income families are twice as likely to have dental problems.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and it’s a good time for parents everywhere to remind their kids about the importance of brushing and flossing and to make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam to talk to their dentist about any questions and concerns.

In preparation for that appointment, read on for some quick tips on kids’ oral health.

1. Before teeth appear, you should be wiping your baby’s gums. Good dental habits develop before kids even have teeth. Twice a day, you should wipe your baby’s gums gently, with a soft, clean cloth: after they eat in the morning and after they eat at night. This gets rid of sugar and bacteria that could cause problems.

2. When your baby’s teeth start to appear, gently brush them. For many babies, teeth begin to break through at around six months. That’s when it’s time to use a small, soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Make a dentist appointment before the baby’s first birthday and talk to your dentist about how your child’s teeth are developing. Your dentist can give you advice on how much toothpaste and fluoride to use moving forward. The general rule of thumb is to brush for two minutes twice a day, using that rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until age three, and then using a pea-sized amount after age three. When they’re 5 or 6, and better able to spit, they can use a bit more. But, again, talk to your dentist about specifics.

3. When two teeth are touching, it’s time to floss. This is a great habit to teach your child, along with brushing. Make it fun by playing a game or singing a song, and talking about the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day. Let them know that when they’re old enough, they’ll get to take over and floss on their own.

4. Make water available outside of meals. According to the Journal of The American Dentist, drinking milk and juice out of bottles and sippy cups can increase the risk of tooth decay, because of the way teeth are exposed to the sugar. Until your child transitions to a regular cup, limit juice and milk to meals, when they’ll produce more saliva and wash the sugars away. Otherwise, stick with water and don’t forget to brush before bed. The toothbrush should be the last thing to touch their mouth each day—no drinks or snacks after!

5. Don’t share germs. As a parent, sometimes it’s easier to just pop a pacifier or spoon into your mouth because your hands are occupied. If you do that, don’t give the item back to your child until it’s clean. Otherwise, the ADA says that you could share germs and bacteria that cause cavities. 

6. Teach your child about dental health and healthy habits. The same foods that are good for your child’s growing bones are also good for their teeth. Talk to them about the role that milk, cheese and proteins play in making them healthy and strong. And let them know that sticky, sweet, sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities. Encourage them, instead, to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, and brush, brush, brush!

7. Keep non-food items out of their mouths. Kids—and, let’s be honest, adults—may put non-food items in their mouth from time to time, or use their teeth to open a package or bottle. Discourage this behavior. It can damage teeth in a painful way and require expensive treatments.

8. Invest in mouthguards. If your child plays contact sports or is involved in athletic endeavors such as skating and gymnastics, make sure their teeth are protected. The ADA says that mouth guards can reduce the risk of dental injuries related to sports. Inexpensive mouthguards are available over the counter, or your dentist can give you advice and even create one that is custom-fitted.

As you can see, your smile may be more important than you think! A healthy smile doesn’t just look good. It has the power to make you feel good. This month, talk to your kids about the importance of their teeth and make an appointment with your dentist to evaluate how they’re doing. He or she will be able to give personalized advice—along with a free toothbrush—and encourage good dental habits from a young age.