Dental health is a crucial part of promoting a child’s overall wellness. Parents are urged to take an active role in encouraging children to develop habits that will reduce damage to teeth and gums over a lifetime. This process begins as soon as the baby is born and even before teeth make their first appearance.

Maintaining good dental health is essential for people of all ages, but is particularly important during childhood. Children’s teeth are especially vulnerable to damage of the enamel, which leads to holes known as cavities. This is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children with poor dental health may also experience associated symptoms, including inadequate nutrition, poor self-esteem and problems with speech development.

Brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good dental health. Experts generally recommend that children brush their teeth at least twice daily with toothpaste beginning at age 2. Before age 2, parents can wipe a damp cloth over the gums for cleansing. Regular flossing is important as soon as the gaps between the teeth close. Flossing helps to prevent tooth decay by dislodging food that brushing alone cannot remove.

Choosing the right dentist is a cornerstone of good dental health. The American Dental Association recommends that children make their initial visit to a dentist by their first birthday. Parents are urged to look for a dentist who specializes in the care of children, also known as a pedodontist. Dentists will provide children with fluoride treatments and sealants that can dramatically lower the risk of cavities.

Most children will experience dental health problems at some point that will require professional care. In most cases, dental pain is the result of a cavity that needs to be filled. Children who have crooked teeth or a bite that is misaligned may benefit from orthodontic treatment in the form of braces or other dental appliances.

There are several steps that parents and children can take to help keep a child’s teeth healthy. These include not sharing utensils with babies, restricting a baby’s time with feeding bottles, limiting consumption of sweets and starches, and protecting teeth during sporting activities.