Good dental habits established in childhood have a measurable impact on oral health throughout life. Here is what parents need to know at every stage of their child's dental development.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age one — or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This may seem early, but early visits serve two purposes: catching any developmental issues early, and familiarising your child with the dental environment before anxiety has a chance to develop.
General Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist
Many general dentists treat children. Pediatric dentists (also called pedodontists) have an additional two to three years of specialised training focused specifically on children's dental development, behavior management, and treating kids with special healthcare needs. For most children with no special needs, either type of provider works well.
A pediatric dentist may be especially helpful if your child has significant dental anxiety, special needs, or complex dental issues.
Baby Teeth Matter
A common misconception is that baby teeth do not matter because they fall out anyway. In fact, baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, help children chew and speak properly, and affect jaw development. Decay in baby teeth can spread to developing permanent teeth underneath. Treating baby tooth decay matters.
Home Care by Age
- 0–12 months: Wipe your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings. When teeth appear, use a soft infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- 1–3 years: Use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice daily — morning and before bed. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- 3–6 years: Increase to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Begin teaching your child to brush themselves, but supervise and assist until around age seven or eight.
- 6+ years: Begin flossing when teeth touch. Most children can brush independently by eight, though parents should still check quality until around age ten.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars to prevent decay. They are highly effective and recommended by most pediatric dentists for children around ages six and twelve, when first and second molars come in. Ask your dentist whether sealants are appropriate for your child.
Managing Dental Anxiety in Children
Children often mirror parental anxiety — if you are nervous about dental visits, your child will pick up on it. Use positive, neutral language ("the dentist will count your teeth") rather than language that introduces fear ("it will not hurt"). Many pediatric dental offices are designed specifically to be child-friendly, with games, TVs, and trained staff who know how to work with anxious children.