At DDS Group, we specialize in caring for children’s smiles from the very start. Baby teeth usually begin to emerge between 6 and 12 months and continue coming in until around age 2.5 to 3 years. During this teething phase, your little one’s gums might feel tender or sore because of the pressure from erupting teeth. You can gently soothe their gums by rubbing with a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth. Teething rings often provide relief too. As they grow, baby teeth naturally fall out starting around age 6, making way for permanent teeth.
Teething Child
By age 2 to 3, most children have all twenty primary teeth. Teething can be challenging, especially if your child feels discomfort. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be painful. The Dental Association recommends soothing gums by gently rubbing with a clean finger, damp cloth, or the back of a cool spoon. If these don’t help, our trusted dentists or your family doctor can suggest mild over-the-counter remedies.
Babies often chew on anything they find—walls, seatbelts, and more. It’s important to keep them away from hard objects that might damage their teeth or gums. Also, avoid rubbing liquid painkillers directly on their gums as they might swallow it. Skip teething biscuits since many contain added sugars. And never ignore a fever; it’s not a typical teething symptom. If your child has a fever, please consult your doctor promptly.
First Dental Visit
Many parents ask, “When should my child see a dentist for the first time?” The Dental Association advises an initial dental checkup within six months of the first tooth’s appearance or by age one. Even if your toddler is restless, early visits help familiarize them with the dental environment and build comfort. Kids who start dental visits early usually have less fear later. These first appointments often focus on screenings and guidance on feeding and thumb-sucking habits to foster healthy routines.
To prepare your child, consider bringing them along to a family dental visit or have a sibling accompany them to meet our friendly team. Encouraging daily tooth care at home also helps ease the transition.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Toddlers usually do well brushing with just water and a soft toothbrush. You can introduce non-fluoridated toothpaste in very small amounts—about the size of a grain of rice—and encourage spitting out the paste to start good habits. Avoid fluoridated toothpaste until your child can spit effectively, as too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, which weakens enamel and causes white or brown spots.
For infants, wiping gums with a damp cloth is best until teeth start to emerge. Then, switch to a gentle finger-brush—a soft rubber cover for your finger that cleans gently. Since infants mainly consume milk and pureed foods, avoid aggressive brushing. As more teeth come in, transition to a soft-bristled, handheld toothbrush. Many parents find it helpful to brush alongside their child or engage in fun activities like counting or singing to make brushing enjoyable.
Children’s Dental Care
Parents often focus on overall health but may overlook dental care, which is vital even for young children. Without proper oral hygiene, kids can develop cavities and other issues early on. Instilling good habits now promotes lifelong healthy teeth and gums, reducing future dental treatments and supporting overall wellness. Here are some tips to keep your child’s smile healthy:
For Your Baby
Baby bottles and sippy cups can increase the time teeth are exposed to sugary liquids like milk, formula, or juice, raising the risk of cavities. Clean your baby’s gums and teeth with a toothbrush or damp gauze after feedings to reduce this risk.
Instill Good Habits
Encourage brushing after breakfast and before bedtime. It might be a challenge at first, but with patience, your child will develop a consistent routine that lasts.
Brush Delicately
Many children brush too hard, which can harm delicate gums and lead to problems later. Teach gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect their developing gums.
Cut Down On Sugar
While kids love sweets, limiting candy, soda, and sugary drinks helps prevent cavities and other health issues. Set reasonable limits to keep their smiles bright.
Tips To Help With Your Child’s Dental Fear
- Talk positively about dental visits, avoiding words like “hurt” or “pain.”
- Bring your child along to your dental appointments so they feel comfortable in the dental chair.
- Give them a soft-bristle toothbrush to practice with at home.
- Schedule regular visits starting by their first birthday and every six months thereafter, as recommended by the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.