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February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a month-long celebration sponsored by the American Dental Association to promote dental education and awareness for all children. However, you don't have to live in the USA to follow these simple rules: - Brush teeth twice a day, for at least 2 minutes each time. Stores like Boots sell timers and timer toothbrushes which can encourage your child to brush for the full two minutes. - Floss between teeth at least once a day. Parents can start flossing their children's teeth as soon as the teeth are in contact with one another. Disposable flossers are useful for small hands and will encourage good dental habits. - Establish healthy eating habits for your child. Avoid drinks and snacks that contain high amounts of sugar. Harmful acids attack your teeth for at least 20 minutes and this can lead to tooth decay. - Visit the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and professional cleaning. This will help detect possible dental problems in the early stages and will have the added benefit of helping your child feel more comfortable going to the dentist. - Children involved in any contact sport or recreational activity, for example rugby and martial arts, should always wear a mouthguard. Our Smileright dental teams will be happy to assist you with any concerns you have about your child's oral health.