Your Age-by-Age Guide to Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

July 24, 2018

It may seem a little silly to fret about the health of your baby’s primary teeth. After all, they’re just going to fall out, right? While that may be true, that doesn’t mean these baby teeth are any less important than the one’s your child will get as they enter into adulthood. In fact, they may be even more important.

By teaching your child proper oral hygiene and how to care for their teeth from a young age, you’re setting them for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. To help you along the way, here’s our age-by-age guide to caring for your child’s teeth:

Birth to 6 Months Old

Most children won’t get their first baby teeth in this age range, but dental care should definitely start! Start getting you and your baby into a routine by gently cleansing your little one’s gums with dental wipes or a finger brush.

6-12 Months Old

Your baby will get their first tooth, or teeth, around this age! When those first teeth start to emerge, it’s time to schedule your little one’s first dental appointment with a pediatric dentist in Avon, OH. Be sure to brush those baby teeth at least twice a day, and ask your pediatric dentist about flossing.

12-18 Months Old

By this age, your little one should have already visited with their pediatric dentist and be well on their way to establishing good oral hygiene for a future of healthy teeth. Continue brushing regularly and be sure to check for any signs of cavities or infection, just in case!

18 Months to 5 Years Old

Your child should have a full mouth of teeth by the time they’re around 30 months old, which means it’s time to focus on what you can do to help make sure they have a beautiful smile. You’ve already established good oral hygiene routines, so try working with your little one on not using a pacifier, bottle or sippy cup, or sucking their thumb, to prevent causing bite misalignments or other orthodontic concerns.

Always keep an eye on your child’s teeth and gums at any age to make sure they’re on their way to a lifetime of healthy smiles! Schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Carolyn Crowell, to get started today!

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]