Every stage of your child’s development requires a different approach to dental care. At Kidsville Dental, we provide age-specific guidance that aligns with the growth and dental needs of your child, from infancy to adolescence. Proper care at each stage lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Birth to 2 Years - The First Teeth
Teething Troubles
First Dental Visit
Oral Hygiene
Teething can cause discomfort, but with the right care, you can soothe your baby’s gums and help them adjust to new teeth.
Teething Tips: Use clean fingers to massage the gums or provide a teething ring to help alleviate soreness.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday. This is an opportunity to discuss oral hygiene habits and fluoride use.
Start wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth even before their first tooth erupts. Once teeth appear, gently brush them with a baby toothbrush.
3 to 5 Years - The Early Years of Smiles
Regular Brushing
Baby Teeth Care
Preventive Care
By age 3, your child can begin brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to supervise until they are about 7 or 8 to ensure thorough brushing.
Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth! Help your child keep them clean and cavity-free by encouraging regular brushing and flossing.
Consider fluoride treatments and dental sealants to prevent cavities in your child’s growing teeth.
6 to 11 Years - Growing Smiles
Losing Baby Teeth
Braces and Alignment
Cavity Prevention
Around age 6, your child’s baby teeth begin to fall out, making way for permanent teeth. This transition may cause some discomfort and may require additional oral care.
This is a common time for kids to start orthodontic treatments. If your child needs braces or other alignment tools, we’ll help guide you through the process.
At this stage, kids can be more independent in their dental care. However, regular check-ups and preventive treatments like sealants can protect their new teeth from cavities.
12 to 18 Years - Teen Years and Orthodontics
Maintaining Braces
Impacted Teeth & Wisdom Teeth
Eating Habits
Teenagers with braces need to be extra diligent about maintaining oral hygiene. Encourage brushing after every meal and the use of floss threaders or water flossers for effective cleaning around braces.
Around age 16-18, wisdom teeth often begin to emerge. We monitor their development and may recommend removal if they cause pain or are at risk of impacting other teeth.
Help your teen develop healthy eating habits that protect their teeth. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is key in preventing cavities and maintaining overall dental health.
Tips for Parents at Every Stage
Set a Good Example
Monitor for Dental Problems
Encourage Consistency
Be a role model by maintaining your own oral health and emphasizing the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular visits.
Look out for early signs of tooth decay, misalignment, or other dental issues, and address them early to prevent complications later on.
Make dental care fun and consistent, so your child develops healthy habits that last a lifetime.
FAQs About Age-Specific Dental Care
At what age should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch.
When should my child get their first braces consultation?
Typically, an orthodontic consultation should happen around age 7, or when your child shows signs of misalignment or bite issues.