Early dental care can help keep kids smiling for years to come

(HealthDay)—Every baby has a beautiful smile, and to keep it that way, parents should teach good dental habits at an early age, experts say.

A child's first dental appointment should occur six months after the first teeth erupt or by their first birthday. After that, it is recommended that children see a dentist every six months.

"Childhood dental decay is largely preventable, and taking your child to see a dentist at an early age is the best way to prevent future oral health problems," Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Dr. R. Claire Campbell said in an academy news release. "This will instill positive behaviors that will result in a lifetime of good oral health."

As part of National Children's Dental Health Month in February, the group offered the following tips for parents:

• When the first teeth come in, parents should begin brushing the child's teeth. Brush for two minutes twice a day using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Talk to your dentist before using toothpaste in children under age 2.
• Introduce flossing early. Helping kids learn how to floss will encourage them to make it a routine as they get older.
• Do not allow excessive sucking of pacifiers or fingers, which can lead to tooth misalignment.
• Don't let children fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids. A decrease in the flow of salvia while they sleep makes children's teeth more susceptible to cavities caused by sugar in these liquids.
• Encourage kids to drink tap or fountain water. If you live in an area where the public water supply is not fluoridated, consider talking to your dentist about fluoride supplements.