Healthy families

Parents often question the right way to care for their children's teeth. At what age should they start brushing and flossing? Which toothbrush and toothpastes are safe? And what is the appropriate age to start regular dental check-ups? Laura Kelly, the first female (and mom!) president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, offers the following advice:

Adults and children should brush their teeth twice a day. An adult should assist in brushing until the child has the skills and dexterity to brush efficiently. A good rule of thumb? When a child can tie her own shoelaces, she can brush her own teeth--usually around age five or six.

Learning how to floss at a young age is crucial to a child's daily dental routine. Even baby teeth benefit from being clean and nothing cleans between teeth as well as dental floss.

Sealants are an excellent solution to prevent tooth decay. See your dentist for sealants as soon as adult teeth start growing in.

Fluoride helps strengthen teeth while protecting against decay. Using toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride prescriptions (drops or daily chewable tablets) are a great addition to the routine. Even when the water supply is fluoridated, adding additional fluoride to their habits creates consistency, especially since most kids don't drink very much tap water.

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of any liquid other than water. Milk and juices contain both acid and sugar, which can quickly rot a baby's teeth if they are in contact all night long.

The first trip for kids to see a dentist can be as early as age one. Be sure to schedule two visits per year to create a level of comfort and regularity for the child. Routine checkups ensure that the dentist can diagnose any problems early, and make specific recommendations for each child. Remember--prevention and early treatment are the best medicine!