It's much better to prevent childhood dental problems now than later. Luckily, it's easy to help your child learn good habits for healthy teeth.

Cavities occur when frequent exposure to sugar causes bacteria (Plaque) on the teeth to produce acid. Most kids' drinks are full of sugar, even natural fruit juicers. One sugary drink per day is fine, other than that they should drink water or milk.

Brush in the morning for good breath and right before bed to remove bacteria. Focus the brush right where the teeth meet the gum line, and floss between any teeth that touch.

A professional cleaning can make your teeth whiter by removing surface stains and the dental team can coach your child on how to best clean their own teeth. And a dentist can find cavities or other problems while they are still small and easy to fix.

The first adult teeth come in between the ages of 5 and 7, and are usually lower front teeth or back molars, behind all the baby teeth. The last baby tooth often won't fall out until between the ages of 10 and 12 years old.

Baby teeth often have spaces between them, and this helps to keep them clean.

Cavities in the baby teeth hurt, a child in pain may avoid certain foods which may affect his/ her nutritional well-being, and hurting teeth have been known to reduce a child's performance in school.

While most types of crooked teeth can be fixed after all the adult teeth have come in, sometimes earlier treatment is best.