When you've got kids, you need to worry about everything, especially their health. Part of the worry about their health should include their teeth. Early dental problems can lead to serious health problems for your child, especially if those dental problems carry over into their adult life. That's where proper preventative dental care comes into the picture. Ensuring that your kids teeth are well taken care of while they're young will give them the proper foundation they'll need for healthy teeth throughout their lives. Here are just three of the ways you can ensure good preventative dental care for your kids.

Daily Oral Hygiene

When it comes to protecting your kids' teeth, daily oral hygiene is the most important step you can take. Beginning while your kids are babies, get them used to caring for their teeth several times a day. Oral hygiene during infancy can be as simple as wiping your baby's mouth and gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once they get their first tooth, switch to gentle brushing with a soft infant toothbrush. As your kids get older, introduce new layers of dental hygiene, including flossing and rinsing at least two or three times a day.

Semi-Annual Dental Visits

Kids need to see the dentist at least twice a year. However, you shouldn't wait for those dental visits to begin until your kids have a mouth full of teeth. Those dental visits should actually start much sooner than that. Semi-annual dental visits should begin as soon as your kids have their very first tooth. Beginning dental treatment with the first tooth will give the dentist the opportunity to track your kids' tooth formation from infancy all the way through to the final permanent tooth. These semi-annual dental visits will also ensure that your kids receive the fluoride treatments and sealants they need to keep their teeth strong and protected.

Early Orthodontic Exams

You may think that kids should have their first trip to the orthodontist once they're in middle school or high school. However, that first orthodontic exam should actually occur much earlier than that. In fact, your kids should see the orthodontist for their initial exam while they're still in elementary school. Those initial exams will help the orthodontist identify issues, and formulate treatment plans, well in advance. They can also provide you with advice on how to prevent those issues from getting worse while your kids are waiting for treatment.