Everything Parents Need To Know
Whether you're preparing for your child's very first dental visit or looking for trusted information about keeping their smile healthy, we're here to help. Explore helpful resources, learn what to expect at each stage of your child's dental development, and find answers to common questions so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Your Child’s First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist before they turn 1 or within 6 months of the appearance of the first baby tooth.
Bringing your child to the pediatric dentist at a very early age allows him or her to meet the dentist and become comfortable in the dental office setting. Sometimes new places can make kids nervous and uncooperative, and that’s alright! We understand. We will be patient and take our time to develop a solid relationship. If your child ever needs a filling or extraction, we always avoid the words “hurt,” “shot,” “pull,” and “needle” and suggest you do too.
First visits usually include a gentle exam of teeth, jaw, bite, gums, and oral tissues; a gentle cleaning; demonstration of proper home cleaning; fluoride treatment; and answering any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.
Healthy Little Teeth
Ages 0-3
It's never too soon to start caring for your baby’s dental health. A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw at birth and usually begin coming through the gums around 4-6 months of age. Most children have a full set of baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old. The most common cause of tooth decay in children is frequent, prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugar.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Put only plain water, formula, milk, or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling bottles with liquids such as sweetened water, fruit juice, or soft drinks.
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle. Even when it’s breast milk or formula, it can still decay teeth.
- Use clean pacifiers—don't dip them in sugar or honey.
- Try not to share saliva with the baby by using the same spoon or licking a pacifier to clean it. Tooth decay can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother to the baby.
- Keep your baby’s gums and teeth clean. You can begin to clean your baby’s mouth during the first few days by wiping the gums with a clean, moist washcloth after each feeding. When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush the teeth gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (around the size of a grain of rice).
- Injuries are common as babies learn to walk. Protect your baby’s teeth by placing barriers on sharp corners and hard surfaces.
- Pacifier and finger habits should be discontinued by the 2nd birthday.
Ages 6-10
- At about 6 years of age, your child’s adult teeth start to replace their baby teeth. While your child is starting to lose their front teeth, it’s important to know that there are usually adult molars at the back of the mouth. These teeth often come through the gum without replacing a baby tooth and are often unnoticed.
- Children in this age group are learning independence, which should be encouraged. However, parents should still physically assist with the daily care of their children’s teeth until at least 9-10 years old. Orthodontic evaluation also begins at this age, as modifications can be made in facial growth through appliances or braces.
Ages 11 and Up
As if the preteen years don't give kids and their parents enough to think about, new oral health concerns loom on the horizon. Along with major changes to the body, brain, and emotions, additional risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease appear during adolescence—the period of development starting around age 11 and extending through the teen years that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. A combination of hormones, lifestyle changes, and poor oral hygiene habits raises the risk of oral health problems among adolescents. A more independent social life may be accompanied by a change in eating habits and easier access to snacks and beverages that are sugary, acidic (like sports drinks and soda), or full of refined carbohydrates—none of which are tooth-healthy choices. And as children move toward greater independence, parents are less likely to micromanage their children’s personal care, including their oral hygiene routines. Good oral hygiene can keep dental plaque at bay, lowering the chance of having gingivitis and cavities. But let’s face it: Adolescents have a lot to think about, and keeping up with their oral health may not be a priority.
To help your preteen stay on top of their oral health, keep healthy snacks at home for your children and their friends, and make sure you are well stocked with supplies such as new toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. In addition, most preteens (and teens) can benefit from gentle reminders about oral hygiene routines. By this age, kids most likely have all their permanent teeth. Evaluation for orthodontics is completed at this age.
Expecting Moms
The benefits of good dental health begin well before your baby is born, so get an early start on a lifetime of healthy smiles by taking good care of your own mouth now. Research shows that bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease in a mother’s mouth can easily be passed to her child.
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day.
- Eat healthy foods and follow your physician’s advice about diet. When you need a snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious, such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese.
- Visit your dentist. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy.
- If you are vomiting frequently, try rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water instead of brushing your teeth directly after vomiting. When stomach acids repeatedly come into contact with teeth, it can cause tooth enamel to wear away.
- Drink plenty of water.
Pediatric dentists have unique expertise and extra training to treat children with special needs. Parents of special needs children often have concerns about their child’s tolerance of dental appointments, but postponing the visit is not the answer. Providing us with information about your child prior to the first visit can help our office prepare for any special situations.
We recommend brushing 2 times per day with toothpaste and flossing as soon as the teeth begin to touch. Use light pressure and go in circular motions. Make sure they brush for at least two minutes. Anything you can do to make brushing teeth fun for the little kids is helpful. Sing songs, talk about getting the sugar bugs out, use brushing apps, etc.
When it comes to dental health, what your children eat and drink—and even how they consume it—has a powerful impact on their teeth. And you may find some surprises on the list of good and bad foods. The worst enemy of your kids’ teeth is acid, which can come directly from the food or drink or is produced by tooth-damaging bacteria that eat sugar and convert it to acid. This acid is what creates cavities by eating away at the tooth’s protective enamel. The best friends of your children’s teeth are foods and drinks that neutralize or rinse away acids, supply minerals and vitamins that repair tooth enamel, and stimulate saliva production.
Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of oral and facial sports injuries as well as related oral diseases.
We highly encourage the use of a mouth guard for contact sports. For younger children with permanent front teeth (usually starting at around age 7-8), we recommend a store-bought bite and boil athletic mouth guard. For older children who have all their permanent teeth (frequently > age 12-13), we highly recommend a dentist-made custom mouth guard, as they have been shown to be more effective at preventing tooth damage than store-bought mouth guards.
Have Questions About Your Child's Dental Health?
Every child’s smile is unique, and our team is here to help you navigate every stage of their oral health journey. Whether you're preparing for a first visit, looking for preventive care guidance, or have concerns about your child's dental development, we're ready to provide trusted support and personalized care.