Lake County, IL Health Dept. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General's Office indicates that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, and that minority populations represent the sector with the highest risk. A child's first visit to the dentist should be when he or she is 2 years of age. Parents should bring in their children every six months after that. Children's teeth should be brushed twice a day.
Children can usually floss their own teeth when they reach fourth grade.
Prior to that, parents can floss their kids' teeth using a special fork-shaped tool. Make sure that fluoride is in your drinking water. For those who are on a private well, the water should be tested to determine the natural level of fluoride. If that level is too low, fluoride tablets can be added. Children should avoid large amounts of sweets.