Did you know that when a baby is born, their teeth are already present in the jaw? That’s right, all 20 of those choppers are under the gums, awaiting showtime! Usually, a baby’s teeth will begin to appear about 6 months to a year after birth, and the full toothy grin is generally in place by the time they reach 3 years old. But dental care should begin from a baby’s earliest days, in order to keep kids healthy, form good oral health habits and encourage a healthy diet.

And there’s no better time than February to get those good habits going! That’s because this month is Children’s Dental Health Month. If you’re been putting off making any necessary dental appointments or talking to your family about the importance of good dental hygiene, this month is your time to shine, and we’re here to help. Read on for a guide to taking care of even the tiniest person’s teeth.

Caring for teeth

New parents may have lots of questions about how to care for their babies teeth—especially if those teeth aren’t yet visible! Here are some top tips to guide you as you impart the importance of brushing and flossing to your kids.

• Even before your child starts teething, you should be helping them by cleaning their gums regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to use a soft, clean cloth and wipe gums off twice a day—once in the morning after feeding and once at night before bed. This will help to remove any bacteria and sugar that could lead to cavities and decay. 
• As soon as teeth start to come in, it’s time to start brushing. Choose toothpaste with fluoride in it, and follow the American Dental Association’s portion guide: for children 0 to 3 years old, use a grain-of-rice-sized squirt of toothpaste and for kids 3 to 6 years old, aim for the size of a pea. Brush teeth twice a day using a small, soft-bristled brush and water.
• Schedule baby’s first dental appointment. The CDC suggests scheduling an appointment with a dentist before your baby’s first birthday in order to learn more about your baby’s teeth and caring for them, and to identify any potential issues early.
• Teach your child to brush their own teeth, and help them until you’re certain they can do a good job on their own.
• When your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing—and teaching them to use floss.
• Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or food. This will help prevent tooth decay.
• Toothpaste and water is the last thing your child should have in their mouth before bed. Avoid bottles and sippy cups, which can lead to decay, and if your child needs to take any medicine, give it to them before brushing their teeth.
• Find out if your water is fluoridated. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children benefit from fluoridated water, which can help prevent cavities. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist for advice. 
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants. These are barriers that can protect the teeth from decay, and could help keep cavities at bay.  

Nutrition and teeth

A healthy, balanced diet is important to developing strong teeth—not to mention flashing that beautiful smile. Just like with brushing and flossing, it’s important to teach kids good eating habits early, because their diet could benefit their dental and overall health. Here are some considerations.

• Make healthy food choices available to kids. Sugar contributes to tooth decay, according to the ADA. And of course, it’s no secret that kids like sugary foods. To encourage healthy eating, make healthy choices—like carrots, celery, apples, nuts, yogurt and cheese—accessible and easy for kids to select, while limiting access to sugary treats like ice cream and cookies.
• And when they do eat sweet treats, remind them to brush. Granola bars, honey, jelly beans, caramel—they all stick to the teeth. Cleveland Clinic says that if your child eats these treats, they should brush after.
• Go for the gum. Sugarless chewing gum is a sweet treat that may also help reduce cavities by increasing the production of saliva. Keep a pack on hand to help curb candy cravings and freshen breath.

Protecting those pearly whites

While brushing, flossing and nutrition are all important, there are some other things to consider when it comes to your child’s dental health as they get older. Here are a few ways to protect teeth and injuries, illnesses and costly treatments.

• Talk to your kids about the dangers of tobacco. Smoking is terrible for your mouth. According to the ADA, smoking stains the teeth and tongue, it dulls the sense of taste and smell and it increases the risk for gum disease and oral cancer (as well as other health conditions). Talk openly with your children about why smoking is bad for them; and if you smoke, yourself, put down the pack. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you need help quitting.  
• Wear a mouthguard to protect teeth from trauma. An injury to the mouth can be painful and costly. A mouthguard is a device that can protect your child’s teeth, tongue and gums from injuries that could be caused by activities such as biking, ice skating, basketball, football, gymnastics, hockey and other sports. Talk to your dentist about whether this could help protect your family.
• Wear a nightguard to protect teeth from grinding. Some people grind their teeth and clench their jaw in response to stress. This can cause headaches, soreness and even fractured or loose teeth. A mouthguard, also known as a night guard, which protects teeth as you sleep, could help. Your dentist should be able to identify if you or your children have been grinding their teeth at night, and can suggest modifications, such as a mouthguard, that can help.

Dental care is important at all ages—from zero to 100 and beyond. By encouraging kids to care for their oral health early, you’re helping to set them up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. When you make a routine out of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist every six months to a year, you’re giving yourself and your family something to smile about.