Parents often have questions about how to take care of their children’s teeth. When is the right time to start brushing? What is the appropriate age for dental check-ups? Dr. Marty Zase, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, offers the following advice:

1) Think “Clean Not Green.” Teeth should be clean so there is no leftover food on them for the bacteria that live in your mouth to eat. Clean teeth have no sugar leftovers that could cause decay. Clean teeth = no cavities.

2) Brush teeth twice a day. An adult should help the child with teeth brushing until the child has the skills and dexterity to do the job well by himself. Parents should let children “practice” brushing so they learn the proper brushing motions.

3) Floss every day. Even baby teeth benefit from being clean, and nothing cleans between teeth as well as dental floss.

4) Sealants prevent decay. A sealant is a hard plastic that is bonded into the grooves of the biting surfaces of back permanent teeth. Children’s teeth should be sealed as soon as possible after they come in. Talk to the dentist about sealant options.

5) Fluoride really does make teeth harder and less likely to decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste on children over 18 months old. Fluoride prescriptions (drops or tablets to chew daily) come in different strengths and are advantageous for most kids. For kids with a higher decay rate, extra fluoride rinses should also help.

6) Orthodontia (braces) should be started early. By starting early, there is less likelihood that permanent teeth will have to be removed. Let the dentist take x-rays to check for missing permanent teeth (preferably by age 6). If baby teeth must be removed early due to decay, the dentist should insert a space maintainer to help keep the teeth from drifting.

7) Never put an infant or toddler to bed with a bottle of any liquid other than water. Milk and juices have acids and sugar in them, and can quickly rot a baby’s teeth if they are in contact with these liquids all night long. Water is the safest choice.

8) Teeth are not tools. Children need to learn at an early age that teeth are not tools. Don’t use them as package openers, wire strippers, nut-crackers, or pliers. All of these actions can chip, break and permanently damage teeth.

9) Get regular professional cleanings from a hygienist or dentist every six months.

10) See the dentist. The first trip to the dentist can be as early as age 1, but it’s fine to wait until age 2 or 3 unless there are any problems or possible problems. Plan on a check-up about twice a year for most kids. Remember -- prevention and early treatment are the best medicine.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among cosmetic dentists. The AACD and its more than 7,500 members specialize in creating beautiful smiles through services like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and restorations, as well as providing information to the public. The AACD Charitable Foundation’s primary program, Give Back A Smile™, provides cosmetic dental care at no cost to survivors of domestic violence. Give Back A Smile raises awareness of domestic violence, and gives survivors hope for a better future– truly something to smile about.