A lot of parents make the mistake of neglecting kids dentistry for the simple reason that their children only have €baby teeth€, after all, which will fall out anyway. These parents, however, may not realize how quickly tooth and gum disease can set in. Studies have shown that nearly half of all children entering school for the first time have at least some signs of tooth decay. This is a major failing when it comes to dental education. If you're determined not to fall into this category, here are some steps you can take to make sure your children grow up with healthy oral habits.

Brush and Floss Early
Don't wait until all of the teeth are in to begin brushing and flossing your child's teeth. When the first tooth comes in, this is when you should bring your child and introduce them to kids dentistry for the first time. At that point, your dentist will give you all the information you need about caring for that first tooth and the ones to follow. Use special toothbrushes designed for babies to begin with. These have very soft bristles and won't cause irritation. Some experts even believe in cleaning the gums gently before the first teeth arrive. When there are enough teeth that two or more are next to each other, flossing can begin.

Cut Down On Juice
Fruit juice is not a substitute for real fruit. It can not only lead to problems with childhood obesity, but the sugars contained within it can lead to problems with oral health. Most kids dentistry experts contend that a little bit of juice is okay, but a child should in no way be sipping from a cup all day long. Water is preferable in many ways, as it will keep the child occupied and hydrated, without adding all the unnecessary sugar. It is also important to read labels, so that you can be assured of giving your child only 100% fruit juice when the occasion calls for it.

Eliminate the Pacifier
Some parents and pediatricians recommend avoiding the pacifier altogether. Others think there's no harm in it, as it can be a good tool for weaning the child off of bottles and giving them something for comfort. It may also be a tool in the fight against SIDS. In either scenario, however, the child should start ditching the pacifier around the age of two or three. If the use goes beyond that, it can start to have unhealthy effects on the development of the teeth, which could lead to the need for braces later in life.