As a mother of an 8-year-old, and a trained pediatric dentist by profession, it has been quite an experience ensuring that my daughter develops good dental hygiene.

Day-to-day dental hygiene and a visit to a dentist are easy to ignore for busy parents. Good habits are inculcated at childhood, so it is important for parents to establish a good example.

Based on my experience, here are some tips for you if you have young kids in your family.

A child’s primary teeth often called “baby teeth” are as important as permanent adult teeth. Baby teeth help the child chew and speak and more importantly hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. Once your baby’s teeth appear, brush twice a day using a moist washcloth or an infant size toothbrush. Keep brushing sessions fun and short.

Children should have their first dental checkup around their first birthday. An early visit to the dentist is a good way to learn proper oral hygiene at an early age, including avoiding nighttime bottles or cups of formula or juice, proper tooth brushing, and a diet that promotes good dental health.

Follow-up visits are recommended yearly or at more frequency depending on the dental health of your child.

Use a non-fluoridated toothpaste until about age 3, since most young children tend to swallow a small amount of toothpaste. Once they are able to spit, use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on their brush. Parents should supervise and aid their children’s brushing until age 8.

Flossing also is an important part of good dental hygiene. You usually can begin flossing once your child is about 3-4 years old. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, a healthy balanced diet is a must.

Talk to your dentist about applying sealants in your school age child. Sealant when applied to the teeth hardens and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances.

It is important that you set a good example by also practicing good dental hygiene. If you do not brush and floss each day or regularly see a dentist, then it is unlikely that your children will either.

Dr. Dipti Srivastava, D.D.S., M.D.S., is a partner at Auburn Avenue Dental which has been serving the Auburn community since 1979. Call us at 253-833-3680 with any questions.