When it comes to your kid's teeth, you want to do everything you can to prevent tooth decay - including watching what they eat and drink. When your kids were little, that was easy. You were the one providing everything they consumed during the day. Now that your kids are in school, monitoring what they eat and drink all day is a little more difficult. This is particularly true when it comes to snacks. You never know when they're enjoying some sweet, sticky treats provided by friendly classmates. Luckily, you don't have to throw your hands up in defeat. Here are four simple steps you can take to help keep your kids teeth healthy and strong.

Make Sure They Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing are two of the most important things you kids can do to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Now that your kids are in school, make sure they're brushing and flossing at least twice a day. It's also important to make sure that your kids are brushing long enough each time. Have your kids pick a favorite song and make sure they brush their teeth while it plays. This will ensure that they're not just spending a few seconds on their teeth each day.

Give Them Lots of Water to Drink 

Water is crucial to strong healthy teeth and gums. Drinking water flushes away the food particles that get stuck between your kid's teeth during the day. It also keeps your kids mouths properly hydrated, which helps prevent bacterial growth below the gum line. An added benefit is that it helps reduce bad breath.

Take Them for Their Professional Cleanings

While proper daily hygiene and water consumption will help keep your kid's teeth clean, they'll still need to have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. This is important even if you have young school-aged children. During your child's professional cleanings, the dentist – or hygienist – will clean between the teeth and below the gum line to remove tartar and plaque buildup. This process is crucial to preventing tooth decay.

Ask About Dental Sealants

If your kids haven't had a dental sealant applied, you should have that done as soon as possible. This is particularly important if your drinking water isn't fluoridated. Dental sealants are applied directly to the surface of the back molars. The sealant hardens to provide a protective covering around the teeth. It's especially important to protect the back molars because they have so many pits and grooves that germs and cavity-causing bacteria can hide in.

Don't take chances with your kid's teeth. Check out http://www.sunnysidedentistryforchildren.com and use the tips provided here to help keep your kid's teeth healthy and strong.