You want to keep your kid's teeth as healthy as possible. You take them to the dentist (like those at HC Dentistry) at least twice a year and you encourage them to brush their teeth at least twice a day. That's a good start to healthy teeth. Here are some other steps you can take to ensure healthy teeth and gums. If your child's toothbrush is more than a month old, it's probably stopped working. Toothbrushes wear out quickly, especially if they're being used at least twice a day. Once they wear out, the bristles get soft, which means they're no longer removing food, bacteria and plaque from the teeth. Not only that, but those older bristles are harboring lots of nasty germs and bacteria. Promote healthy teeth and gums by switching toothbrushes once a month. A dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for germs and decay. You can help keep your kids mouth healthy by encouraging them to rinse their mouth several times a day. In fact, it's a good idea to teach them to rinse their mouth after each meal. Even if they aren't able to brush their teeth after each meal, they can swish a bit of water around in their mouth each time they eat. Make Sure Those Fruits and Veggies CrunchDid you know that crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your kid's teeth healthy? It's true. Fresh vegetables like carrots, and fruits like apples can help get rid of the plaque that's building up on their teeth throughout the day. Be sure to provide your kids plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables. It's important to note that apples contain acids that can harm the enamel on your kid's teeth. So, if you're going to give them apples to snack on, be sure to have them rinse with clear water when they're done. Limit the JuicesEven if you read the labels and avoid high-sugar varieties, fruit juices can still damage your kid's teeth. Try to limit the amount of juice you give your kids and provide clear water instead. If your kid's fight you on plain water, you can add a few berries for a natural fruit flavor. You want your kids to have healthy teeth and gums. In addition to their normal oral hygiene routine—semi-annual dental exams along with twice daily brushing and flossing—add the tips provided above to help your kids avoid dental problems.