Children's Dental Health

General Oral Care for Kids of All Ages

Caring for Little Smiles Starts Here

We know healthy habits start young, especially with oral health! Our dental team is here to provide gentle, compassionate care for children of all ages. We create a positive, fun experience and help your child feel comfortable and confident every time they visit the dentist.

Dental Care for All Stages

Infants Without Teeth

  • Clean your baby’s mouth at least twice a day; after each meal is ideal. Hold your child in a position that is comfortable and where you can easily see inside their mouth.
  • Wrap a clean gauze pad or soft cloth over your finger. Dip the gauze or cloth in water so it is damp, but not soaking wet then gently wipe your child's teeth and gums.

Infants & First Teeth

6 to 12 months old

  • Continue cleaning your child’s gums after each feeding. When you notice that first tooth, start using a child’s soft bristled toothbrush, without toothpaste, in addition to massaging their gums.
  • Schedule your child's first dental appointment by their first birthday or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in.

Toddlers

12 to 18 months old

  • By the time your little one reaches their first birthday, they should've already had their first dental checkup. If you haven't had the chance to introduce them to us by this age, give us a call. We're excited to meet your family!
  • Keep up the routine of brushing their teeth with a child’s soft bristled toothbrush and plain water. No toothpaste is needed just yet.

Young Kids

18 months to 5 years old

  • Around the time your little one reaches about 2 ½ years old, all of their primary (baby) teeth should have come in. It's a good time to start weaning them off the pacifier and gently encouraging them to kick the thumb-sucking habit by the age of 3.
  • When your child reaches 2 years, introduce a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Teach them to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
  • This is the age to begin teaching them how to brush their own teeth. Let them give it a try first, and then you can follow up to tackle any spots they might have missed.

First Adult Teeth

approximately 6+ years old

  • Around six years old is, typically, when kids start losing their baby teeth and getting their adult ones.
  • Continue to supervise them brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice per day, helping them brush the spots they may have missed on their own.
  • Flossing can be a bit tricky until they're around 10 years old. Start by showing them how to floss the front teeth that are easy to reach. Once they've mastered that, they can move on to flossing the back teeth on their own. Flossers with handles might be easier for them to use compared to regular dental floss.

Tips to Remember

Start dental visits by age 1 or when the first tooth appears
Limit sugary snacks and drinks
Help your child brush twice a day
Schedule regular dental check-ups every 6 months

Schedule Today!

Our friendly team is ready to help.

(479) 600-5440