Keeping your kids’ teeth healthy is important. Here are some easy steps:

Start Early: Tooth problems can begin even when baby teeth are coming in, which usually starts at about 6 months old. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or pad even before the first teeth come out. Once teeth start showing, brush them gently twice a day with a tiny bit of toothpaste with fluoride, the size of a rice grain.

Ages 3-6 Brushing: When your child has all their baby teeth, use a bit more toothpaste, like the size of a pea. Teach them to brush on their own, but watch to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste. When their teeth touch each other, begin flossing.

Fluoride Help: Fluoride is a good mineral that makes teeth strong and resistant to cavities. It’s in water from lakes and oceans. But sometimes kids don’t get enough fluoride. Bottled water usually doesn’t have any, and tap water might not either. Ask your dentist if your child needs fluoride. If yes, you might get them a special fluoride thing.

Dentist Visits: Start taking your child to the dentist around 6 months old, when the first tooth shows up. At first, the dentist will mostly look in the mouth to see if everything’s okay. This helps your child get used to going to the dentist. It’s important to make these visits fun and not scary. So, do things to help your child feel comfy and happy at the dentist’s office.

Remember, taking care of teeth when kids are small makes them strong and healthy when they grow up.