It’s never too early to start your child’s oral care routine. Here’s what you should do at each stage of your child’s development.

Starting your child on the path to good dental care is essential. Filling cavities can be tortuous for a youngster (and adults!). As a parent, you probably want to spare your child that pain and anxiety. But when exactly do you start teaching your child good oral hygiene habits and taking them to the dentist?

Well, it’s never too early to start caring for your child’s teeth. Your pediatrician or an Espire dentist can discuss with you on when to come in for the initial dental checkup, but the general consensus is by your child’s first birthday or six months after the first tooth breaks through the gum line. From there, you can monitor your child’s teeth and guide them on the basics of proper oral care. Setting down good dental practices now will save a lot of pain (and expenses) later!

The Stages of Childhood Dental Care

The type of dental care your child needs depends on their age. Here’s a general guide on timeline and oral care practices to note:

Infants. Don’t wait until permanent teeth come in to start caring for your child’s mouth. Your child’s gums are just as important. Keep the gums healthy and clean by swabbing your baby’s gum line with a damp cloth to clear away bacteria.

Babies and Toddlers. Just because they’re called “baby teeth” doesn’t mean they don’t need care. When that first tooth appears, start brushing with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush dabbed with a small amount of toothpaste.

Older Children. Between ages two and three, children can start brushing their own teeth. A good rule of thumb: when the child can spit out toothpaste, they can brush their own teeth. However, you’ll still need to supervise to ensure they’re doing it correctly. Beyond age three, they can start using a fluoridated toothpaste. 

Flossing. When two teeth touch together, it’s time to start flossing. But your child will need your help to learn how to floss, as they may not have the coordination to carefully slide the floss between their teeth. To make it a more pleasant experience, use flavored floss.

General Oral Care Pointers for Your Child

Good dental care is more than just brushing and flossing. Although those habits are important, oral hygiene encompasses a range of practices that support healthy gums and teeth:

Don’t Let Your Child Sleep With a Bottle. Sipping from a milk or juice bottle may calm your child before bedtime. However, the bottle should be taken away when they’re asleep, because liquid swirling in their mouths can cause tooth decay.

Watch What They Eat. Children love their sweets, but treats packed with sugar can damage teeth. Limit their consumption of hard or sticky candies, fruit leather snacks, and sweetened drinks. 

Get Them Comfortable Going to the Dentist. If you’re nervous about dental visits, your child will be, too. Tell them that the dentist is there to help them and assure them a dental visit is nothing to fear. That very first dental appointment will provide a view into your child’s jaw, bite, gums, and other potential oral issues. The dentist can check your child’s tooth growth and development and offer recommendations on how to maintain oral hygiene at home. It’s unlikely the dentist will take an X-ray until the child is much older. The more often you take your child to the dentist, the more comfortable they will be sitting in the chair. 

Work With Your Pediatrician. Involve your pediatrician when it comes to your child’s oral health! The doctor can also refer you to a dentist that specializes in children’s dental care. 

Set a Good Example. Your child follows your lead. If you practice a regular oral care routine, like brushing and flossing daily and fearlessly visiting the dentist every six months, your child will, as well.

Time for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your child’s teeth and get them started on good oral care. Don’t live near our Mission Valley, California office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Drive
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108