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Editor’s Note: Fourth in a series of seven articles on dental prevention for kids.

At age 3, kids start to have minds of their own. Usually by this age, they have firm opinions about doctor visits and what foods they will eat. If the child has been to the dentist prior to this age, he or she should have no fear or frustration about dental appointments. On the other hand, if at this age he or she is going to the dentist for the first time, the situation may not be as easy. Anything the child hasn’t already been trained to do (such as potty training, going to bed on time, or taking medicine) takes a lot of extra effort from parents. And now you can add going to the dentist to that list.

By age 6, your child’s jaws are growing to make room for the permanent teeth. The first permanent molars usually erupt between ages 5 and 6. Parents often mistake them for baby teeth. These molars are especially important because they help determine the shape of the lower face. They also affect the position and health of permanent teeth. It is hard to imagine, but those little 6-year molars will be in baby’s mouth for another 70-plus years. So treat them kindly.

Toddler’s tooth care

Once a child has most of his or her baby teeth, it is time for you to start flossing them. Brush at least twice daily and always at bedtime. Make your brushing routine fun and the child will look forward to it. Be creative. Begin a ritual of singing a song, listening to the child’s favorite music, or making up a story about the “brushing and flossing fairy.” Let the child begin brushing; then finish for him or her.

You might notice that your child has spaces between the teeth. No need to worry. This is common because the permanent teeth can be twice as large as the teeth they are replacing. Flossing at this point is mainly to get the child in the habit of seeing and feeling floss in his/her mouth.

Six things to remember

Use a soft, small toothbrush.

Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Don’t let children eat toothpaste.

Always brush before bedtime.

Be a positive role model. Let your kids see you brush and floss your teeth.

Don’t share your toothbrush with your kids.

Detecting toddler problems

Into the mouths of babes: If your child’s thumb sucking persists at age 4, it may be time for concern. The dentist should evaluate the situation. If any damage or malformation is present in the mouth, the dentist may recommend a special retainer to inhibit sucking.

A tooth in crisis: Between the ages of 3 and 6, kids fall a lot, often hitting their mouths while riding bikes and playing. At this age, gum tissue heals quickly. Baby teeth can be hit, banged, or chipped and the injury won’t necessarily have any effect on the permanent teeth. As a precaution, though, always call the dentist as soon as possible if you have any concerns.

Dos and don’ts

Do replace your child’s toothbrush every one to two months and immediately following a cold or the flu.

Do have your child brush at least twice a day.

Don’t let your child go to bed without brushing.

Don’t let your child drink juice, milk, or soft drinks during the night, either by cup or by bottle.

Do keep toothpaste out of the reach of children. If ingested in excess, it can cause the child to become ill.

Do store toothbrushes so they do not touch each other.

Don’t share toothbrushes.

Don’t attempt to re-insert a baby tooth into baby’s mouth if it is knocked out or dislodged. Call your dentist immediately.

Do examine your child’s teeth. If brown spots are observed, call your dentist immediately; there is a good chance it is decay. Healthy teeth are uniform and white in appearance.

Mac Lee is a dentist in practice in Edna. He is the cofounder of Dentists Who Care, a national movement to educate the public on modern dentistry. If you have dental questions you can call him at 361-782-7191.