Taking care of your childs teeth and gums is vital to their long-term general health.

Here are some tips for your child’s dental health

Healthy mouth, healthy child

 *The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first

  dental visit takes place when the first tooth appears or by his or her first birthday.

 *Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on your child’s brush at age 2 to 3.

  Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste.

 *Baby teeth are important. Not only do they help children learn to speak and chew naturally,

  they hold the place for permanent teeth until they are ready to erupt.

 *Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. Juice and other high sugar beverages should

   be given in a cup, never from a bottle.

 *Let children brush under your supervision and assistance until they can brush by

   themselves—generally around age 7.

 *Encourage children to chew sugarless gum and stay away from sticky candy.

*If your child plays sports, make sure he or she always wears a mouth guard.