Tips for Kids

Babies

Babies usually don’t have teeth coming in until six to nine months of age. These milk teeth, or first teeth, help your child eat and speak. They also help their adult teeth come in straight. They can also get cavities like the rest of us. Babies’ mouths and teeth should be cleaned after all feedings. Here’s how:

• If the teeth are too small for an infant toothbrush, use a clean, damp facecloth to wipe their teeth and gums.
• Do not use toothpaste until your child has teeth.
• If your baby falls asleep while feeding, brush their teeth before feeding.

Going to bed with fluids other than water in their bottle can cause a lot of damage to your baby’s teeth. The sugar will remain on the child’s teeth throughout the night. This can damage the enamel and cause tooth decay. If your baby sleeps with a bottle, fill it with water.

Baby’s First Visit – Make it Fun!

A baby’s first visit to the dentist should happen by their first birthday, or when the first teeth appear. To prepare for the first visit:

• Try playing “dentist.” Count your child’s teeth, then switch roles and let him or her count yours. Make the exercise fun and explain that this is what the dentist will do.
• Treat the appointment as routine.
• Tell your dentist about any special needs or medical problems, such as allergies or bleeding disorders.
• Ask your dentist if your child can bring their favourite toy along.

Dealing with Teething

It can be hard to see your baby frustrated and in pain as their first teeth come in. Here are a few tips to safely help your baby with teething:

• Massage their gums with your clean finger or a clean, chilled wet cloth. You can also give them a plastic teething ring.
• Avoid giving them hard foods like raw carrots that could cause choking.
• Avoid giving them teething biscuits. Sugar will remain on the new teeth, leading to decay.
• Over-the-counter gels for teething should not be used, unless advised by a doctor.
• Your dentist, pharmacist, or doctor can suggest an over-the-counter medicine to ease the pain.
• Getting new teeth does not make babies sick or give them a fever. If your child has a fever, check with your doctor.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

All twenty primary (baby) teeth come in by the time your child is two or three years old. This is the perfect time to get children into a good dental care routine. It can keep them on track for the rest of their lives.

• For children under the age of three, talk to your dentist about the best way to brush your child’s teeth. Ask them if toothpaste is appropriate to use.
• By the age of three, you should help your child brush their teeth twice a day with proper technique. Be sure to only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing.
• A vitamin-rich, balanced diet is important for their growth. Avoid sugary foods or drinks – that includes juice.
• After eating sugary or sticky foods like raisins, rinse their mouth with water. You can also give them juicy fruits or vegetables to clean their teeth.
• Don’t let your child sip on sugary liquids, including milk and juice from sippy cups. Offer these drinks only at mealtimes.
• As soon as your child’s teeth start touching, it’s time to start flossing!
• Change your child’s toothbrush every one to three months or after an illness. Never share your toothbrush with your child or use your child’s toothbrush.
• Let your child watch you brushing your teeth as often as possible. Children are wonderful imitators. There’s nothing like a parent’s example to teach them a healthy dental routine.

Children and Adolescents

Around the ages of six to eight years, the first teeth start to fall out and the permanent teeth erupt through the gums. By the age of 13, most of the permanent teeth, except for the wisdom teeth, should be in. These teeth should last a lifetime. Remember to:

• Brush at least twice and floss once every day
• Cut back on sugar to avoid cavities
• Limit snacking – unless it’s celery or carrots!
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth when playing sports
• Reach for the water bottle – the sweetness and acidity in sports and energy drinks can lead to tooth decay and dental erosion

Permanent Teeth

At age six or seven, the first adult (or permanent) teeth come in. These “first molars” or “six-year molars” come in at the back of the mouth, behind the last baby teeth. They don’t replace any baby teeth.

Also at around age six, children start to lose their baby teeth. The roots slowly get weak, and the tooth falls out. It’s okay for children to wiggle their primary teeth if they are loose. It’s not okay to use force to pull out a tooth that’s not ready to come out. When a tooth comes out at the right time, there will be very little bleeding.

Permanent teeth often look more yellow than primary teeth. This is normal. But it could also be caused by medicine your child took, by an accident that hurt a primary tooth, or by too much fluoride. Ask your dentist about this when you go for a dental exam.