Is there anything sweeter than your child’s smile? You can help kids get off to a healthy and beautiful start with these tooth care tips.

Make it a habit.

Just like adults, children should get into a healthy routine of brushing after breakfast and before bed. They should brush for at least two minutes so that the fluoride has time to work. Brushing after other meals and snacks, while not always possible, is even better. Ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist when to begin brushing an infant’s baby teeth, which tend to appear at six months of age.

Limit the amount of toothpaste.

Young children don’t need more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to clean effectively. Teach them to swirl and spit out toothpaste, rather than swallow it, which can result in discoloured teeth.

Show them how to brush.

Do a “show and tell” on yourself first to demonstrate. Start by angling your brush at 45° brushing up from the gumline to teeth with back-and-forth strokes. Explain the importance of brushing behind and on top of the teeth as well on the roof of the mouth and tongue. Give them pointers and praise while they brush.

Be supportive.

Up until first grade or later, kids will need supervision and coaching to brush properly. Make brushing more fun by playing or singing a favorite song, setting a timer to count down two minutes, or offering to read a favorite story as reward.

Encourage flossing.

Children can begin flossing once they have their primary teeth and the gaps between teeth have closed. Choose a gliding or gentle floss, and be patient in coaching them – it can take time to get the hang of flossing.

Reward success.

Post a weekly or monthly calendar that gives kids points for brushing regularly and making smart food choices, As a incentive to keep up the good work, covert points into little gifts for – or special time with – your child.

Find a kid-friendly dentist.

Take your child to the dentist beginning at his or her first birthday. And schedule visits for exams, cleanings and x-rays once or twice a year. Ask family, friends and neighbours for dentist recommendations.

For additional information on tooth care and Aquafresh^® please visit www.dental-professional.ca.