How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth—Our Guide

Keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy is essential to children’s overall health and wellbeing. Good oral hygiene can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other periodontal infections. 

That’s why parents should teach their children about the benefits and the risks of not taking proper care of their teeth. They must also reinforce good oral health habits by setting an example for proper oral hygiene, eating a well-balanced diet, and scheduling regular check-ups with a local pediatric dentist. When they learn to take care of their teeth properly, children reap the benefits well into adulthood.

A Guide to Oral Hygiene at Every Age

Healthy teeth and gums are the results of practicing good oral hygiene from a very young age. Parents should establish a regular habit of brushing and flossing at least three times a day as soon as baby teeth erupt. Some parents wait too long or until they see visible signs of decay to take oral hygiene seriously. They can avoid these dental issues by instilling good behavior as early as infancy.

As parents, you need to take proper care of your children’s teeth and when able, teach them to do so on their own. Here is our guide for proper tooth and gum care through the years:

Infants (0–2 years)

Your baby’s first teeth, called milk teeth or primary teeth, will break through their gums around six months of age, one or perhaps two at a time. Lower front teeth usually appear first. 

Using a soft washcloth and water, rub the surfaces of your baby’s teeth and gums after every feeding. When they can stand in front of a mirror and washbasin, you can assist your child in using a toothbrush. 

With a specially designed soft-bristled brush, clean their teeth with a very small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste, which is safe even when swallowed. Parents can also schedule their babies for their first dental visit, which will allow them to become familiar and comfortable with the routine of going to the dental clinic.

Toddlers (3–5 years)

By this time, your child’s primary teeth should be complete. At this age, your child will likely be more independent, though they will still need constant supervision. You can reinforce their good habits with a reward chart. If they have learned to spit out water, you can switch to a fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel on the surface of teeth, providing extra protection from decay. 

Young children (6–12 years)

Children typically begin losing their primary teeth around six years of age. Permanent teeth, that is, the teeth they will have for the rest of their lives, should be complete by the time they turn 12. As the teeth grow closer together, food pieces are more likely to be lodged in between them. Introduce flossing between their teeth to their routine to make sure that they are able to cleanse them thoroughly.

Teen years and beyond

Once your child’s teeth are complete, an orthodontist may be able to assess if there are any issues that need to be addressed, such as misaligned teeth. At this age, they can recommend better if your child needs to be fitted with braces.

Conclusion

If children start and observe good habits from a young age, they will have no trouble maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. As they grow older, parents should continue to remind and encourage their children to look after their teeth, especially as they become more preoccupied with their daily activities.

Are you in search of a pediatric dentist in Charlotte, NC? Browse our directory of dental specialists to find one near you!