Healthy teeth begin with healthy habits. Brushing, flossing, using fluoride, following a healthy diet, and making routine dental visits are key components to good dental hygiene, which is just as important for a child as overall health.
1) Baby Teeth are More Vulnerable
Your child’s baby teeth emerge around six months and continue breaking through until about age two. Although many believe that caring for baby teeth is less important because they will eventually be replaced, baby teeth are more susceptible to cavities than adult teeth. We understand that getting a small child to brush can be challenging—start gently brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Learn more about pediatric dental care.
2) Prevention of Dental Disease
Children’s teeth are at risk for dental diseases such as gingivitis, cavities, infections, and plaque. Because baby teeth have lower mineral density, it’s crucial to start protecting them early. Incorporate brushing, flossing, and using the correct toothpaste into your child’s daily routine to help them develop lifelong habits. For more advice, visit our preventative dentistry page.
3) Improved Speech Development
Healthy baby teeth are essential not just for appearance but also for speech development. Prematurely lost or misshapen teeth can lead to difficulties with pronunciation and, in severe cases, speech impediments.
4) Aid In Healthy Permanent Tooth Development
Baby teeth remain until about five to seven years old, after which adult teeth begin to emerge. As new teeth undergo a process called second maturation, they are more porous and vulnerable to damage. Taking care of baby teeth helps protect your child’s permanent teeth from early deterioration. For more on transitioning from baby to adult teeth, check out our child dental care resources.
From baby teeth to adult teeth
In general, baby teeth start to appear between 4 and 7 months old. The first teeth to come in are usually the two bottom front teeth. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about 3 years of age.
Children may lose their baby teeth as early as 6 years old or as late as 12 years old. During this transition, your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Some children may require orthodontic treatment, such as braces, as adult teeth (a full set of 32, including wisdom teeth) emerge later in adolescence.
Steps to Protecting Your Child’s Smile
- Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste—once before bed and once during the day.
- Supervise your child during brushing until they are at least 7 years old to ensure proper technique.
- Just spit after brushing; avoid rinsing immediately to retain fluoride protection.
- Reduce the amount and frequency of sugary foods and drinks to lower the risk of decay.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect against injury.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash if recommended by your dentist, ideally at a different time from brushing.
- Ensure you visit your dental professional regularly for checkups and cleanings.