Dental Care Tips By Age

At birth baby teeth are already forming under the gums. It is important to keep your baby’s mouth clean even before that first tooth erupts. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth and clean water, twice a day. You should see that first tooth by 6 months of age. Do not let your baby go to bed with a bottle, if you absolutely must give your baby a bedtime bottle use only water. If you breastfeed, afterwards use a damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums.

7 - 12 months

Around 7 to 9 months the incisors are already breaking through the gums and your baby’s permanent teeth are starting to form under the gum.

13 – 24 months

At this time you can schedule your baby’s first dental visit. The visit will basically be to allow your baby to get familiar with the environment, for the dentist to look inside your baby’s mouth to be sure all is normal and for you to be able to ask any questions you may have about your baby’s dental health. Around this time is when most start to brush their baby’s first teeth. You can use a soft nylon toothbrush; some stores even sell toothbrushes made especially for babies. Use fluoridated toothpaste, but just a dab (no bigger than a piece of rice or one small pea). Brush them at least twice a day. Replace the toothbrush once every 3 months or when it looks worn or frayed looking. It is not a good idea to sweeten a pacifier with honey or sugar. Offer healthy snacks instead of sugary snacks.

2 – 5 years

At this age your child is ready to start brushing his teeth, but you still need to do some of the brushing for him to be sure that all of the teeth are being brushed. It is still a good idea to use a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and a dab of fluoridated toothpaste. You should floss your child’s teeth where any two of them touch. It is important to be setting a good example in front of your child, by brushing and flossing regularly and seeing a dentist twice a year. Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks instead of sugary ones. Make an appointment for cleanings and exams with the child’s dentist every 6 months. By age 5 your child’s front primary teeth roots will start to dissolve and then they will soon loose their first tooth. The baby (primary) teeth fall out to make room for the permanent teeth.

6 – 7 years

The first permanent teeth will erupt around age 6. The first to erupt are either the front lower teeth or the 6 year molars. Around this time your child will want to start brushing his teeth by himself. This is fine as long as you remind him to brush the back teeth and the back of his teeth. You can make a game of checking his teeth afterwards for hidden pieces of dinner or something silly like that. Make sure you are brushing your child’s tongue lightly to remove any bacteria. Continue to set a good example for your child regarding good dental hygiene habits. Make sure to provide healthy snacks.

8 – 10 years

Your child will be able to floss his own teeth by age 9, just be sure to monitor the brushing and flossing just to keep him on his toes about proper technique. Keep up your good examples and remember to provide healthy snacks.

11 – 12 years

Talk with your child about the consequences of poor dental hygiene. Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks. Remember to make cleaning and exam appointments every 6 months for yourself and your child. The last of the primary teeth will fall out and your child will soon have all of his permanent teeth.

13 – 15 years

Remind your teen of the reasons for good dental health habits. Discuss with your teen the dangers of smoking and non-smoke products that leave stains. Discuss the dangers of tobacco products and oral cancer. Permanent teeth are almost finished moving into their final positions and the wisdom teeth will be erupting soon. Sometimes there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth and they will remain under the gums. Ask your dentist for information about wisdom teeth. Don’t buy junk food. Keep healthy fruits and vegetables around for you and your teen. Buy plenty of oral health care supplies and keep them handy for the teen to grab and use.