February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. As a parent, I know the power of teaching by example. Our kids do as we do, but not necessarily as we say. Telling them to eat their broccoli, but hiding our own under the salmon gets noticed. Therefore, the chances of them eating broccoli when we aren’t around is less likely.  The same goes for setting a good example with dental care. When we practice good brushing, flossing, and eating habits, it sets an example for our kids that they are more likely to follow when we aren’t there to watch.

Here are the ABCs to set your kids up with the right dental game plan:

A is for Action:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Make sure that your children’s drinking water is fluoridated.
• Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.

B is for Brushing:

• Use a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste (be sure they don’t swallow it).
• Brush the inside surface of each tooth first.
• Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the outer gumline. Gently brush back and forth.
• Brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom.
• Brush the tongue.

C is for Calcium:

• Make sure your child’s diet is rich in calcium.
• During childhood and into their teenage years, kids need enough calcium to support their growing bones and teeth.
• Calcium is one of the body’s most important minerals and also has other essential roles to play, including supporting a healthy nervous system and muscle function.

Teach your children well. Good dental habits are an investment in their future (and your wallet).