Healthy teeth are essential for your child’s development, from chewing food properly to speaking clearly and smiling confidently. But maintaining good oral health doesn’t just happen—it takes daily care, smart habits, and regular dental visits. The earlier you start, the better the chances your child will grow up with strong, cavity-free teeth.
Here’s a helpful guide on keeping your child’s teeth healthy from infancy through childhood.
1. Start Dental Care Early
Good oral hygiene begins before your child’s first tooth appears. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feedings gently. Once teeth emerge—usually around 6 months—switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
By age 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Supervise brushing to make sure they don’t swallow too much paste and are brushing all areas of the mouth.
2. Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing should happen twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed. Teach your child to brush for at least two minutes, reaching all tooth surfaces. Children typically need help brushing until around age 7 or 8.
When your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. This helps remove plaque and food particles from areas the toothbrush can’t reach.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early dental visits help your child become comfortable with the dentist and allow for early detection of any potential issues.
Regular checkups—usually every 6 months—include cleanings, fluoride treatments, and monitoring for cavities or developmental concerns.
4. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay in children. Limit sugary snacks like candy, cookies, and juice. Instead, offer tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, yoghurt, apples, carrots, and nuts. Water should be your child’s go-to drink—especially between meals and bedtime.
If your child does consume sugary foods or drinks, encourage them to rinse with water or brush shortly afterwards.
5. Use Fluoride for Protection
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Most children get fluoride through toothpaste and fluoridated tap water. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend additional fluoride treatments or supplements to boost protection.
6. Avoid Putting Baby to Bed with a Bottle
Letting your baby sleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can lead to baby bottle tooth decay. If your child needs something to sleep with, opt for water instead. Prolonged exposure to sugars during sleep can cause severe damage to baby teeth.
7. Lead by Example
Children often mimic what they see. Make brushing and flossing a family activity so your child can learn by watching you. Use fun toothbrushes, flavoured toothpaste, and reward charts to make oral care more enjoyable and consistent.
8. Consider Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They help prevent cavities by sealing out food and plaque. Ask your child’s dentist if sealants are a good option—they benefit cavity-prone kids.
9. Watch for Signs of Problems
Look for signs of dental issues such as tooth discoloration, pain, sensitivity, or swollen gums. If your child complains about discomfort or you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—schedule a dental appointment right away.
Keep Your Child Smiling Bright
Building strong oral hygiene habits early on sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Your child can enjoy a confident, cavity-free smile with regular dental visits, a balanced diet, and daily brushing and flossing.
Need a pediatric dental checkup? Contact A&A Dental Implant and Cosmetic Clinic today to schedule an appointment and brighten your child’s smile!