Early Care

Primary molars remain in your child’s mouth until the age of 11-13 years old. Research has shown that children with dental cavities and oral infections have a higher tendency to become sick, lose concentration, and miss more school days due to increased need of dental visits and pain. Finally, cavities that are left untreated can potentially lead to severe infections!

We’ve provided a list of things you can do at home to help care for your children’s dental health:

Birth to 1 Year:

• After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze, especially before they sleep.
• Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.
• Never sweeten a pacifier with honey or other sweet substances.
• Take care to clean all surfaces or your child’s teeth
• Lead by example! Take care of your own dental health. Research shows that parents can pass on cavity causing bacteria.

1 year to 3 years:

• As your baby reaches their first birthday, encourage drinking from a cup.
• Brush 2 to 3 times a day, start flossing once their teeth are touching.

After the age of 3 years:

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Use only a soft bristle toothbrush and brush in small circular motions taking care to clean all surfaces of the teeth.
• Brush your child’s tongue lightly to remove bacteria and bad breath.
• Have your child rinse with water after brushing
• Young children have not developed the dexterity to brush on their own effectively and need adult assistance until around the ages of 8 or 9.
• Avoid frequent snacking and if brushing is not possible after snacking, rinse with water several times.
• Encourage drinking water between meals, try to save juice or milk for mealtimes.
• Healthy snacks! Fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats, popcorn
• Avoid sticky foods such as raisins, fruit chews or roll-ups, dried fruits, cookies, chips or lollipops.