You want your child’s teeth and gums to remain healthy year after year, and you know how essential it is for them to brush and floss regularly. But what else can you do to help their smile last a lifetime? Discover why you should incorporate certain vitamins and minerals into your child’s diet and what kind of impact they can have on their oral and overall health.

The average timeframe for a child’s first tooth to erupt is between 6 and 12 months. By the time they reach the age of 3, all 20 primary teeth should be in place. While it’s not uncommon for many parents to begin bringing their child in to see a dentist at this age, many professionals recommend starting the process even earlier. Read on to discover three reasons why bringing your child in for a dental checkup early on is beneficial to their oral and overall health.