Caring for your child’s oral health over time
Baby teeth are only around for part of your child’s life, but they play a big role in how their smile will develop. They help with eating, are an important part of speech development, and hold space for the permanent adult teeth to grow in later.
That’s why it’s so important to take good care of your child’s smile. Because oral health problems from childhood can have a big influence on adult teeth.
Caring for your child’s oral health over time
Birth to 6 months old
When a pacifier falls on the floor, don’t clean it with your mouth. This can spread bacteria and germs from your mouth to your child.
6 to 12 months old
Once the first tooth shows up, begin brushing in soft, gentle circles twice a day. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Sharing forks, spoons, and food with your child can spread germs that cause cavities. Use separate utensils to help keep your child’s mouth clean.
1 to 3 years old
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water during and between meals. This helps them stay hydrated and washes away food so the bacteria in their mouth can’t feed on it.
The transition to adult teeth takes years, as most children lose baby teeth from age 5 or 6 until around age 12 or 13. At that point, the only permanent teeth left to appear are wisdom teeth (the third molars), which usually erupt sometime between the ages of 17 and 21.
Brush today for a healthy tomorrow
Taking care of your little one’s teeth and gums will create big benefits as they grow. Establish good oral health habits early on and you’ll both reap the rewards for years to come.