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It's never too early to start caring for your little one's dental health. A healthy mouth is important for overall well-being, and it's important for children to develop this mentality early on. If you want your kids to care about their teeth and not fear trips to the dentist, preventative dental care is of the utmost importance.

Follow these five tips from the children's dentists at Pedodontic Associates Inc. on how to start your kids on a dental care routine early:

  • No Late Night Snacks: Encourage your kids to take better care of their teeth by setting firm rules. Say no to snacks right before bed (especially sugary ones), and your child will be less likely to reach for them out of habit later. Set a precedent for dinner to be the last meal of the day.
  • Bedtime Brushing Routine: Always remember to brush and floss before going to sleep. Starting as early as six months, it's recommended that you clean your baby's teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after each feeding and before bedtime. Eventually it will be the last thing they do, and it won't feel like a chore.
  • Regular Dentist Check-Ups: Don't wait until your child is complaining of toothaches to bring them to the dentist. Children should be visiting the dentist regularly: at least once every six months for a check-up and cleaning. Remember: If they start early, they won't fear the trips later!
  • Set a Good Example: Brush with your kids at night, go to the dentist, and let them see you setting a good example! Dental care is important for your entire life, so let your kids know that.
  • Make it Fun: Kids don't like to be told what to do, but they love anything that is fun. Let them pick out their own toothbrush, or let them play games to learn about dental health. Try Healthyteeth.org for quizzes, games, and more learning resources.

Make an appointment to see a family dentist by calling Pedodontic Associates Inc. at (808) 735-1733. Learn more about dental health tips on their website.

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