7 tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy Published March 5, 2015 By Capt. Megan Graff 71st Medical Operations Squadron VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- February is National Children's Dental Health Month, which is sponsored by the American Dental Association to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The goal is to help children start a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by developing good habits at an early age. With regular dental visits, proper care and a balanced diet, teeth can remain strong and healthy throughout a lifetime. Parents often ask dentists questions about their child's oral health. And since it is timely, I would like to share some of those with you. How do snacking and sipping impact tooth decay? Both oral health and general health are affected by what children eat and when they eat it. Tooth decay in children is a fast-growing problem in the United States and poses serious health risks. More than ever before, Americans are consuming higher portions of sugar and starch in foods and drinks. A steady diet high in sugar and starch can lead to tooth decay, especially when snacking throughout the day. Sugars and starches provide food for bacteria, causing the bacteria to produce acid. The acid then eats away at the tooth structure and eventually results in tooth decay. In order to reduce a child's risk of tooth decay, parents can limit snacks between meals, only allow sugary foods and drinks to be consumed with meals, allow only sugar-free chewing gum, monitor beverage consumption, develop good brushing and flossing habits and schedule regular dental visits. How do bottles and Sippy cups impact my child's oral health? Frequent and prolonged exposure of a baby's teeth to sugary liquids such as milk, formula, fruit juice and sodas can lead to early childhood caries -- also known as baby bottle tooth decay. Childhood tooth decay often occurs when children are put to bed with a bottle. No spill, sippy or tippy training cups are not recommended as they include valves which make them baby bottles in disguise. The valves do not allow the child to sip, but rather require the child to suck in order to get liquid from the cup. A good goal is to have your child drinking from a cup by their first birthday. When is the best age for your child to see the dentist? The American Dental Association recommends children see a dentist within six months of the appearance of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. They aid in holding the space the permanent teeth will erupt into and help children speak clearly and chew naturally. Consult your pediatric dentist for recommended check-up intervals for your child. Additionally, the American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age seven. By this age, enough permanent teeth have arrived to identify current or developing problems and evaluate how the teeth and jaws align. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws contribute to good dental health as well as overall physical health. How can I help my child develop healthy brushing and flossing habits? Starting at birth, your child's gums should be cleaned with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth. Once the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste. Use any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for the child's age group. A "smear" of toothpaste is recommended for children less than 2 years old, and a "pea-size" amount for children ages 2 - 5. Assist your child with brushing and flossing. Young children do not have the ability to clean their teeth effectively on their own. Here are 7 tips to help your child have a happy, health smile: 1. Brush twice a day to remove plaque. 2. Floss daily to help remove food debris from between the teeth in areas where a toothbrush cannot reach. 3. Limit the intake of sugar by eating healthy, nutritious foods. 4. Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. 5. The chewing surfaces of back teeth can have sealants applied to them to prevent decay. 6. Tooth decay can be prevented by fluoride treatments twice a year. 7. Mouth guards can reduce injuries to the mouth and teeth when worn during sports activities.