Taking good care of your teeth is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Unfortunately, teaching children this important message can be quite a challenge. Teeth that are uncared for can cause pain, missed school, and even serious illness.

Melvin The Magnificent Molar is a book that can help all children enjoy learning about taking care of their teeth. With the holidays in full swing and treats and goodies everywhere in sight, our kids need to take extra special care of their Melvins (A.K.A. teeth)

Melvin’s Top 10 Tips for Happy, Healthy Teeth

1. Treat baby teeth with the respect they deserve– they are very important!

2. Clean baby’s gums with a damp washcloth or baby toothbrush after each feeding even before the first teeth show up.

3. Milk, formula, juice and other sweet drinks can all cause serious tooth decay so never put children to bed with a bottle containing anything but water.

4. Just like grown-up teeth, baby teeth need to be cleaned regularly. Use a soft-bristled baby- or child-friendly toothbrush at least twice each day.

5. Fluoride toothpaste is important for healthy teeth. Just remember it’s tooth paste, not tummy paste! Teach your child to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing it and wait to start using toothpaste with fluoride in it until your child is 2 (unless your dentist recommends it sooner). Even then, only use a tiny dab no bigger than your toddler’s pinky fingernail until you can be sure your child will spit it out after brushing!

6. Celebrate your child’s first birthday with a tooth check-up by a doctor, dentist, or other oral health professional. Beginning at the age of 1, it is recommended that all kids get their teeth checked every 6 months.

7. Start teaching children how to brush and floss early (at the age of two or three), but don’t expect them to be able to get their teeth clean all on their own until at least the age of 6 or 7 (or older!).

8. Children need to floss as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Flossing may not be necessary in the first few years, since baby (or primary) teeth often have space between them. Be on the lookout, though, since it’s often the molars “way, way, way in the back of the mouth” (like Melvin) that touch first.

9. Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. Offer water and milk between meals, and teach your child to use his tongue to clean food and sleeping scummies off of his teeth between brushing.

10. Remember to make brushing teeth, flossing, and visits to the dentist a fun family affair!