Age-Specific Dental Care
AGE-SPECIFIC DENTAL CARE
Infants and Toddlers
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years)

Teething Tips

Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents. You may notice your baby becoming fussier or drooling more as their first teeth start to come in, usually between 6 and 12 months. To soothe sore gums, gently rub them with a clean finger or offer a cold teething ring. As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing with a soft, infant toothbrush and a grain-of-rice sized smear of training (fluoride-free) toothpaste.

Bottle-Feeding, Nighttime Nursing, and Tooth Decay

Did you know that prolonged bottle-feeding can lead to cavities in baby teeth? To avoid “bottle decay,” never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice. If your baby needs a bedtime bottle, try to establish early good habits and fill it with water instead. If they nurse late at night, wipe the teeth gently after feedings with water by gauze or soft brush.

First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your baby’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or when their first tooth comes in—whichever comes first. This early visit is mostly informational in nature, allowing us to guide you and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.

Preschoolers
Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are common among preschoolers, but they can impact dental and skeletal development if continued too long. It's a good idea to gently discourage these habits early and hopefully quit by age 3. If you have concerns, our team can offer strategies to help ease the transition and support your child’s oral health.

Brushing and Flossing

At this stage, it is recommended that children should be brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoridated kids toothpaste. Supervise their brushing to ensure they use the right amount of toothpaste (a pea-sized dab) and brush for two minutes each time using circular motions. Flossing should also start once your child has two teeth that touch. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between their teeth.

Healthy Snacks

Your child’s diet will directly impact their risk for cavities. Opt for healthy, tooth-friendly options like fresh fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can contribute to cavities (some common surprises include chips, cookies, Goldfish, etc). Drinking water after meals can help rinse away any food particles.

School-Aged Children
School-Aged Children (5-12 years)

Losing Baby Teeth

As your child grows, they’ll start to lose their baby teeth to make way for permanent ones. This typically begins around age 6. Encourage your child to keep brushing and flossing, even if their teeth are loose.

Orthodontic Needs

We routinely evaluate your child’s growth and development at each dental cleaning. For some children, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended around ages 7-9. This may occur if we identify any potential issues with their spacing, bite, or alignment that may need early attention. If this is the case, we will refer you for an orthodontic evaluation. For other children, the typical age for orthodontics is after all the baby teeth have fallen out, usually by age 13. Not all children may require orthodontics.

Sports and Dental Protection

If your child is involved in sports, wearing a mouthguard can be the difference in protecting their teeth from injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard is the best choice for comfort and protection, but even a store-bought one is better than none. Talk to us about the best options for your child’s activities to keep their smiles safe.

Teenagers
Teenagers

Dental Care for Braces

If your teen has braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily will help prevent plaque buildup around the braces and reduce the risk of white spots. Additionally, your teen should avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage the braces. Regular orthodontic visits are essential to ensure the braces are working effectively and to make any necessary adjustments."

Wisdom Teeth

As teenagers approach adulthood, their wisdom teeth may begin to emerge, usually between ages 16 and 25. These third molars can sometimes cause discomfort or alignment issues. Regular dental checkups will help monitor their growth and determine if removal is necessary.

Independent Oral Hygiene

As teens gain more independence, it's important they understand the importance of maintaining their oral health. Encourage them to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash if recommended. Good habits now will lead to healthier teeth and gums in adulthood. Regular dental checkups will help ensure they stay on track.