When you have children, there are countless health considerations to keep in mind. When it comes to dental care, many parents aren’t completely sure what’s best for their child. At Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage, Alaska, their expert dentists help you keep your kids’ teeth healthy, from birth all the way through their teenage years.

Primary teeth may fall out eventually, but they are still very important, because they ensure the proper growth and health of adult teeth later on. So, here are some tips to keep those teeth healthy from the start:

• From Birth to 12 Months: Each day, you should gently rub your child’s gums with a clean cloth or gauze. When the first tooth begins to emerge, clean it with water and a baby toothbrush. You should also schedule an appointment with the dentist close to their first birthday.
• From Ages 12 to 24 Months: For optimum dental health, clean your child’s teeth after breakfast and before they go to bed. Use a child’s toothbrush and a small amount of non-fluoride toothpaste.
• From Ages Two To Two & A Half: If your child has two teeth that are touching, which generally occurs in this age range, it’s time to begin flossing. Floss all the teeth, including the back teeth. They may need assistance flossing until they’re about eight or ten years old.
• Age Three: Children can generally begin using fluoride toothpaste at age three, when they can properly spit out most of the toothpaste. 
• Around Age Six: This is the age your child can typically begin brushing on their own. However, you should monitor his or her habits and ensure they’re practicing proper care.
• From 10 & Beyond: By now, you and your dentist should have instilled good dental care habits into your child. They can brush and floss on their own, just provide occasional words of encouragement to support the practice.

It’s crucial that your child visits the dentist at least twice a year for a teeth cleaning and checkup. At Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage, their friendly family dentistry will ensure your child receives the quality care, preventative maintenance, and education necessary for healthy, beautiful teeth that will last a lifetime. To make an appointment at the dentist office, call them today at (907) 258-3384, or visit their website to learn more.