As a parent, keeping your child’s teeth clean and healthy is incredibly important. Good oral hygiene habits started early can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues down the road.
Caring for your child’s teeth looks different at every stage of development. Read on for a complete guide to your child’s dental needs from infancy through the teenage years.
Infant Dental Care (0-1 Year)
Even before that first tooth pops through, there are steps parents can take to keep their baby’s gums and incoming teeth healthy. Here’s how to care for your infant's mouth and set them up for a lifetime of good dental hygiene.
Cleaning Your Baby's Gums
Well before teeth erupt, babies should have their gums cleaned. This removes bacteria and plaque and gets your child used to the idea of cleaning their mouth.
Use a soft, damp cloth or gauze pad to gently wipe over your baby's gums. Do this after each feeding once their first tooth erupts. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants can also be used once they have a few teeth.
Never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle, as the sugar sitting on their gums can cause cavities. Consider switching to a sippy cup around 6 months.
Caring for Your Baby’s First Tooth
Those first pearly whites are exciting milestones, but baby teeth still need proper care. Once the first tooth erupts, continue gently wiping with a cloth or brushing with a small toothbrush. Use just water—no need for toothpaste yet.
If teeth emerge earlier, discuss fluoride needs with your pediatric dentist. They may prescribe a fluoride supplement if your water is not fluoridated.
Put your baby to bed with a clean mouth, not a bottle. Milk and juice contain natural sugars that can lead to cavities if left on the teeth overnight.
Managing Teething Discomfort
Teething can cause fussiness, drooling, gum swelling and biting. Try these tips to relieve your baby’s discomfort:
- Gently massage swollen gums with a clean finger or cold teething ring.
- Allow them to chew on a chilled (not frozen) wet washcloth.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers made for infants, if needed.
- Avoid teething gels that contain benzocaine, which can cause rare but serious side effects in babies.
If teething pain seems extreme or your baby develops a fever, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend prescription options for relief.
Toddler Dental Care (1-3 Years)
As your baby becomes a toddler, caring for their teeth gets more involved. Here are tips for brushing, fluoride use and that important first dental visit.
Mastering Brushing Techniques
Once your child has several teeth (around age 1) you can begin using a smear of fluoride toothpaste for brushing. Use a grain of rice sized amount until age 3.
Brush teeth gently in small circles, covering all surfaces. Make it part of your toddler’s daily routine, like bath time. Two minutes twice a day is recommended.
Allow your toddler to try brushing first to get them engaged, then follow up to ensure every tooth is cleaned. Make it fun by singing songs, playing “follow the leader” with their favorite stuffed animal, or making silly toothbrushing faces in the mirror.
Using the Right Amount of Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Check if your local water supply contains fluoride. If not, or if your toddler is at high risk for cavities, your dentist may prescribe fluoride drops or vitamins.
Too much fluoride can cause permanent staining of the teeth (fluorosis). Carefully follow dosage recommendations and don’t give extra fluoride if the water supply is already fluoridated.
Use only a pea-sized smear of toothpaste until age 3. Children tend to swallow toothpaste, ingesting excess fluoride. Supervise brushing and teach your child to spit out excess paste.
Scheduling the First Dental Visit
The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first check-up around your child’s first birthday or when the first tooth emerges.
This visit focuses on evaluation and education. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth for tooth development, alignment and other growth landmarks. They’ll also show you proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Going early gets your child comfortable with dental visits while preventing issues. Cavities are rising in very young children, so early dental care is key.
Bring your toddler’s medical history to share with the dentist. Knowing about conditions like asthma or food allergies helps customize their care.
Preschooler Dental Care (3-5 Years)
The preschool years allow kids to take on more responsibility for their own dental care. But parents still play a key role in overseeing brushing, flossing and healthy habits.
Developing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Kids ages 3-5 can brush their own teeth with supervision. Until dexterity and thoroughness improves, parents should follow up with more brushing.
Teach your child to brush for two minutes while moving the brush in gentle circles. Show them how to use a soft grip and light pressure. Have them practice spitting while brushing to avoid swallowing excess toothpaste.
Flossing is also important at this age. Assist with flossing at first, then watch them try it on their own teeth.
Establish set times for brushing, like after breakfast and before bed. Make it fun by allowing your child to pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste flavors. Use a timer, music or stickers on a brushing chart to motivate them.
Preventing Tooth Decay
At this age, new molars are emerging in the back. Their grooves and location make them prone to cavities. Help your child brush and floss molars thoroughly.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Bakery treats, candy, juice and soda promote decay. Offer nutritious snacks like cheese, vegetables and milk instead. Avoid sticky sweets that cling to teeth.
If your child needs medicines, choose sugar-free versions when possible. Discuss fluoride treatments or sealants with your dentist if decay risk is high.
Start teaching your preschooler the importance of visiting the dentist regularly so they understand it’s a vital health care visit, not something scary.
Addressing Thumb Sucking
It’s natural for preschoolers to suck their thumb or fingers for comfort. But continuing long-term can cause bite alignment issues.
Gently remind your child during daytime hours not to suck their thumb. Provide praise when they stop the habit. Distraction with toys or books helps redirect the urge.
For nighttime, gloves or socks over hands can deter unconscious sucking. Your dentist may recommend a device placed in the mouth to limit the habit.
Most children outgrow sucking behaviors on their own by age 5. Intervene if buck teeth or changes in bite alignment emerge.
Dental Care for School-Age Children (6-12 Years)
As your child’s permanent teeth come in, keeping up with brushing and dental visits ensures healthy teeth for life. Watch for signs it may be time for braces or Sealants.
The Age of Losing Baby Teeth
Around age 6 or 7, your child will start losing their first baby teeth as permanent ones emerge. Teeth begin falling out on their own or with some wiggling. It’s best to allow teeth to come out naturally.
The new permanent molars don’t push baby teeth out, so those back molars don’t fall out—your dentist will need to extract them around age 10 or 11.
Wiggly teeth are normal during this transitional phase. Make sure your child continues thorough brushing and flossing during this process.
If a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, try to preserve it. Rinse off the tooth, don’t touch the root, and place it in milk or saline solution. See a dentist ASAP to reimplant it.
Establishing Strong Oral Hygiene Habits
By age 6 or 7, your child can brush and floss independently, but make sure you spot-check now and then. Offer reminders about thorough technique and two minutes per brushing.
Flossing daily is critical as tighter permanent teeth make food more likely to get stuck between teeth. Partner with them to floss occasionally to be sure proper technique is used.
Discourage habits like nail-biting or teeth-grinding that are hard on teeth. A mouth guard worn at night can protect teeth from grinding.
Considering Orthodontic Care
Watch for emerging dental alignment issues around age 7. Cross bites, crooked teeth or jaw misalignment may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.
Early intervention (as early as age 8 or 9) allows for subtler orthodontics and better results. Discuss options like spacers, braces or retainers with your dentist.
Headgear and Clear aligners are more discreet orthodontic options. Some dental insurance plans help cover childhood orthodontia.
The Benefit of Dental Sealants
Getting sealants placed on posterior molars around age 6-7 can protect against cavities, especially for teeth with deep grooves. The thin plastic coating adheres to the chewing surface and keeps out food and bacteria.
Sealants are quick and painless to apply and last for several years before needing replacement. Talk to your dentist about whether sealants would benefit your child. They are highly recommended for cavity prevention.
Teen Dental Care (13-18 Years)
During adolescence, dental needs change. Teens take over their own oral hygiene and may want cosmetic dentistry. Wisdom teeth complicate care.
Maintaining Meticulous Oral Hygiene
With braces, retainers, or other oral appliances, brushing and flossing becomes even more critical for teens. Remind them to take time with it and get between all the new wires and brackets.
Suggest your teen switch to an electric toothbrush for optimal plaque removal around braces or retainers. Be sure they adjust pressure when using electric models.
Flossing daily reduces gum inflammation and bad breath—important issues for teens. Have them floss carefully around orthodontia. Provide floss threaders if needed.
Considering Cosmetic Procedures
Some teens want straighter, whiter teeth for confidence. While cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening or veneers generally waits until age 18, discuss options to consider:
- Bleaching trays and whitening strips can gently brighten teeth and reverse food staining if used correctly.
- Clear “invisible" braces continue aligning teeth discreetly.
- Dental bonding can conceal chips or gaps between teeth.
- Gum reshaping slightly adjusts gum line height for a symmetrical smile.
Remind teens that while smiles are important, internal health trumps outward appearance. Good checkups and hygiene should remain the priority.
Managing Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth often emerge between ages 17-21. Because these far back molars frequently crowd alignment, dentists recommend extraction.
Schedule removal if wisdom teeth cause pain, appear impacted, or create other dental issues. Early extraction between ages 16-19 can prevent more complicated surgery later.
Oral surgeons perform wisdom tooth removal using local or general anesthesia. Recovery lasts 1-3 weeks, depending on surgical aspects. Follow aftercare directions carefully.
Wisdom teeth that erupt fully and cause no problems may not require extraction. Your oral surgeon will advise if removal seems necessary.
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dental Care
As your child grows up, you want to find dental care that fits their needs. Here are some factors to help choose the right dentist and clinic:
Pediatric Dentist vs. Family Dentist
While both can care for children’s dental health, there are some differences:
- Pediatric Dentists have two extra years of specialized training just in treating children, including those with special needs. Their offices cater to kids with toys, books and comforting décor.
- Family Dentists care for patients of all ages. They have general expertise in cleaning, cavity filling and preventive care for children and adults. Their practices often take a "one stop shop" approach.
Consider your child's specific needs and personality when deciding which type of dentist to see. Anxious children may benefit from a pediatric specialist's kid-centered environment.
Dental Insurance for Children
To help afford dental care, look into your insurance options:
- Employer dental plans sometimes cover children up to age 18 or longer if still a tax dependent. Spouses often qualify for family coverage too.
- Children's Medicaid provides free or low-cost dental coverage for qualifying families up to age 18. Benefits vary by state.
- CHIP gives dental benefits to children under 19 in families who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private coverage. Availability varies by state.
- Individual dental insurance plans can be purchased if employer or public assistance options aren't available. Compare costs carefully.
Finding the Right Dental Practice
Look for a dental practice that offers:
- A child-friendly office environment and skilled pediatric treatment manner.
- Flexible scheduling options and help with insurance paperwork.
- Clear explanations of dental issues and treatment options.
- An emphasis on prevention and conservative care.
- Options for sedation dentistry if your child has extreme anxiety about dental visits.
Developing a Lifetime of Healthy Dental Habits
From infancy through the teen years, it's critical to care for your child's dental health at all stages of development. Schedule regular checkups and cleanings to spot problems early. Guide your child in proper home care techniques. Limit sugary food and drinks.
Follow these tips starting early, and you'll set your child up for a smile that lasts a lifetime. With good habits instilled young, they can continue dental health into adulthood.
Conclusion
Caring for your child's teeth is a vital and evolving job as they progress from baby to teen. Pay attention to their changing needs at each age and stage. Start dental visits early for prevention and familiarity. Make oral hygiene part of everyday family routines.
With diligent care and education from infancy through their teens, you can ensure your child's beautiful smile stays healthy for years to come. Use this guide as a reference as your child grows!
Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Dental Care
Caring for your child's teeth from infancy through the teen years raises lots of questions. Here are answers to some common concerns parents have about their child's oral health.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a first check-up around age 1 or when the first tooth emerges. Seeing a dentist early allows them to monitor tooth development, prevent issues, and start positive dental visit habits.
How can I make brushing fun for my preschooler?
Make it engaging by singing songs, using an electric toothbrush, or doing "follow the leader" with their favorite stuffed animal. Brushing charts, stickers or a timer help motivate them too. Let them pick out fun toothpaste flavors and a new toothbrush with their favorite characters.
My 6-year-old hates having her teeth flossed. What can I do?
Start by demonstrating on your own teeth so she can see proper flossing technique. Consider letting her floss your teeth first before doing hers. Praise her effort and give rewards like a sticker when she cooperates. Share fun facts about how flossing helps remove "spider webs" of plaque between her teeth.
What toothpaste is best for children?
Use fluoride toothpaste formulated for children's ages and tastes. For children under 3, use just a rice-sized amount. Too much fluoride can permanently discolor teeth. Watch children brush to ensure they don't swallow excess paste.
Should my child get dental sealants?
Sealants help prevent cavities by coating the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are highly recommended between ages 6-7 when molars emerge, especially for kids prone to decay. Sealants are quick and painless to apply and last for several years.
How can I help my pre-teen stay motivated about dental care?
Make oral hygiene part of their routine and explain dental health helps them look and feel good, especially with friends. Allow pre-teens to pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste flavors and floss. Remind them thoroughly brushing braces helps avoid "food cemeteries” between wires.
Why does my teen need wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth often become impacted or cause crowding/alignment issues. Extracting them between ages 16-19 prevents more complicated surgery later. Make sure your teen carefully follows aftercare instructions following removal.
What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth prematurely?
- Rinse off the tooth but avoid touching the root.
- Place it in milk or saline solution if possible.
- See a dentist ASAP for reimplantation.
- Baby teeth act as guides for permanent teeth, so preserving them is important.
How can I calm my anxious child's fear of the dentist?
- Visit a pediatric dentist with an office designed for kids.
- Go for short, "getting to know you" visits before actual dental work.
- Ask if they offer laughing gas or other anxiety-reduction methods.
- Explain everything the dentist will do using kid-friendly terms.
- Never threaten a dental visit as punishment, which can increase anxiety.
What dental insurance options are available for my child?
- Employer dental plans often cover dependents.
- Medicaid provides free or low-cost dental for qualifying families.
- CHIP gives benefits to children under 19 who don't qualify for Medicaid.
- Individual private plans can be purchased if needed.
Following diligent oral health habits from infancy through adolescence is key to your child's lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Don't hesitate to ask your pediatric dentist questions or discuss any concerns.