How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth from Baby to Teen
From the first gummy smile to the confident grin of a teenager, your child’s oral health journey is full of milestones. Knowing how to care for their teeth at every stage helps set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and bright smiles. Here’s a guide to caring for your child’s teeth—from baby to teen.
👶 Infancy (0–1 Year): Start Before the First Tooth
Even before teeth appear, oral care matters. After feedings, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth to remove bacteria. Once the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), begin brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush.
First dental visit: Schedule it by your baby’s first birthday to catch any early issues and to receive any suggestions as a parent/caregiver.
🧒 Toddlers (1–3 Years): Teething and Toothbrushing Basics
As more teeth come in, continue brushing twice daily. Use a small, soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Consult first with your doctor or dentist about the use of fluoride toothpaste. Teething discomfort is common—offer a chilled teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth to soothe sore gums. Make brushing fun with songs or colorful toothbrushes, and start teaching your child to spit the toothpaste out.
🧑🎓 Preschoolers (3–6 Years): Building Healthy Habits
By around 2.5 years old, your child should have most of their baby teeth. Teach them to brush for two minutes, twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Begin flossing once any two teeth touch. Start letting your child brush first to build their habit, and then you finish to ensure a thorough clean. It is important to brush all sides of the teeth, inside, outside, and the top of each tooth.
🧒🏽 School-Age Kids (6–12 Years): Independence and Prevention
As permanent teeth begin to emerge, reinforce good brushing and flossing habits. Children at this age can start brushing on their own, but supervision is still important until around approximately 10-12 years old. Both the child and their parent/caregiver should brush the child’s teeth while the child is still developing his or her fine motor skills or ability to reach all surfaces of the teeth effectively with the toothbrush.
Fluoride and sealants: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect molars from cavities
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage water—especially fluoridated tap water.
Starting Orthodontics: According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
🧑🦱 Teens (13–18 Years): Responsibility and Routine
Teenagers face new challenges like braces, sports injuries, and busy schedules. Encourage consistent cleaning between the teeth and brushing, especially if they wear orthodontic braces and appliances. Teens need to limit sugary snacks, drinks, and even sports/energy drinks. Talk to your dental professional about the risks of smoking and oral piercings.
Mouthguards are essential for contact sports.
TePe Oral Hygiene Products for Children
TePe toothbrushes for children have extra soft or soft bristles and a small, tapered brush head to fit small mouths. The handle suits a small hand, and it is also convenient for the adult helping the child to brush. Bright colors and nice prints make toothbrushing more fun. Visit TePe’s website to learn more about TePe products for children.
Lifelong Smiles Start Early
Caring for your child’s teeth is about more than avoiding cavities—it’s about building confidence, comfort, and lifelong habits. Motivation and learning how to properly take care of their teeth is difficult to master. Using apps to help form habits and monitor their skill will help keep children and teens on track with their oral hygiene.
With the right care at every stage, your child can grow up with a healthy, happy smile.
Read More:
Oral Health Tips for Children | Oral Health | CDC
Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy | Nemours KidsHealth
Baby Teeth | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
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