Overview
Children's dental health begins before the first tooth and changes quickly through baby teeth, mixed dentition, and teen years. Early visits, supervised brushing, fluoride, sealants, and diet habits prevent pain and missed school days.
Key Takeaways
- ✓The first dental visit should happen by age one or soon after the first tooth appears.
- ✓Baby teeth guide speech, chewing, and permanent tooth eruption.
- ✓Parents should supervise brushing until children can clean thoroughly.
- ✓Sealants help protect permanent molars from cavities.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Wipe infant gums after feeding.
- 2Brush baby teeth with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste amounts.
- 3Avoid bedtime bottles with milk, juice, or sweet drinks.
- 4Use mouth guards for sports and active play.
When To Book A Dentist
- !Your child has a first tooth or is nearing the first birthday.
- !You notice white or brown spots, swelling, pain, or broken teeth.
- !Permanent molars have erupted and sealants may be useful.
- !Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, crowding, or bite issues persist.