Most dentistry for children dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each year for most children. Some children may need check-ups more often.
(1)Birth to 6 months of age;
Clean the infant's mouth with water and a cloth or gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime.
Consult your child's health care provider about the use of fluoride supplements.
Also ask about fluoride varnish that can be applied to the teeth.
Establish regular feeding habits (bottle feeding and breastfeeding).
(2)6 to 12 months of age
During this time, the first tooth should appear. Consult the pediatric dentist for an exam as soon as the first tooth comes in, but no later than the child's first birthday.
Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. Use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
As the child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental or facial injuries.
(3)1 to 3 years of age
Follow the schedule of dental exams and cleanings, as recommended by the child's pediatric dentist. Generally, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.
(4)2 At about age 3, as your child learns to rinse and spit the water , brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste is best.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the ages 5 or 6 -- usually the front teeth first. They continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through, except for the third molars (wisdom teeth). These molars begin to appear around age 17 to 21.
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