Establishing good oral health habits early sets children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here's everything parents need to know about caring for their children's teeth from infancy through adolescence.
When to Start Dental Care
Oral care begins before the first tooth appears. Wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
First Dental Visit
Schedule your child's first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dentist, allow monitoring of tooth development, and provide parents with guidance on proper care.
Brushing and Flossing for Kids
Children under 3 need a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste; ages 3-6 need a pea-sized amount. Parents should brush children's teeth until age 7-8 when they develop the dexterity to do it properly themselves. Start flossing when teeth touch each other. Make brushing fun with songs, timers, or reward charts.
Preventing Cavities
Protect your child's teeth from decay:
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles of milk or juice
- Encourage water drinking throughout the day
- Ensure adequate fluoride through toothpaste and water
- Consider dental sealants to protect molars
- Regular dental checkups every six months
Nutrition for Healthy Teeth
A balanced diet supports dental health. Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt strengthen teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables clean teeth naturally. Limit sticky, sugary foods that cling to teeth. Avoid frequent snacking which exposes teeth to constant acid attacks.
Dealing with Dental Anxiety
Many children feel nervous about dental visits. Help by reading books about dentist visits, playing dentist at home, staying positive about your own dental visits, and never using the dentist as a threat. Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in making children comfortable.
Protecting Teeth During Sports
Children playing contact sports should wear mouthguards to prevent dental injuries. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer the best protection and comfort. Even baby teeth need protection - injuries can affect permanent teeth developing underneath.
Losing Baby Teeth
Children typically start losing baby teeth around age 6, continuing until age 12. This is normal and necessary for permanent teeth to emerge. If a baby tooth is knocked out by injury, don't try to replant it, but see a dentist to ensure no damage to the permanent tooth underneath.
Good dental habits established in childhood last a lifetime. With proper care, regular dental visits, and a healthy diet, you can help your children maintain strong, healthy teeth into adulthood.
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