Good oral health begins even before your baby’s first tooth appears. Many parents don’t realize that dental care starts with the gums—and early care can have a big impact on future oral hygiene.
Even without visible teeth, your baby’s mouth still harbors bacteria from milk, formula, or food. To keep your baby’s mouth clean and establish healthy habits from the start, gently wipe their gums with a soft, clean cloth or piece of damp gauze after each feeding.
Incorporating this practice early also gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned, making the transition to brushing much easier when teeth begin to erupt. Pediatric dentists recommend beginning this gum care routine shortly after birth as part of your daily hygiene schedule.
Your child’s first dental visit is a major milestone in their overall health—and it should happen earlier than many parents think. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
A pediatric dentist can spot early signs of dental issues such as baby bottle tooth decay, gum inflammation, or problems with oral development. Addressing these concerns early helps avoid more serious problems later on.
The earlier a child experiences positive dental visits, the more likely they are to feel confident and cooperative during future checkups. Regular visits also allow parents to receive professional guidance on brushing, diet, fluoride, and oral habits tailored to their child’s specific needs.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities and maintain your child’s oral health. Once your child turns 3, it’s recommended to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
Children should brush in the morning and again before bedtime. At this age, they still need supervision to ensure they’re using the correct technique—gentle, circular motions that reach all surfaces of the teeth—and brushing for the full two minutes.
A pediatric dentist can demonstrate proper brushing techniques during checkups and help identify any areas your child may be missing. Until your child can spit out toothpaste reliably and has the motor skills to brush thoroughly, it’s important for parents to assist or finish brushing for them.
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your child’s teeth healthy. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth touch. This often happens around age 2 or 3, depending on your child’s development. Using soft, child-friendly flossers can make the process easier and more comfortable. Pediatric dentists often recommend starting with disposable floss picks made for small mouths to simplify the routine and build comfort.
Daily flossing removes food particles and plaque that contribute to tooth decay and gum irritation. It also sets the stage for strong oral hygiene habits as your child grows. If you’re unsure how to floss your child’s teeth properly, your pediatric dentist can demonstrate techniques and offer tips during routine checkups. Starting early with flossing creates a lifelong habit that protects your child’s smile from hidden dental problems.
Reducing your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks is one of the most important steps in preventing cavities. Pediatric dentists often see early tooth decay linked directly to frequent consumption of sugar-filled snacks and beverages.
Juice, soda, and sticky snacks like gummies or caramel not only coat the teeth but also feed bacteria that produce harmful acids. Even 100% fruit juice, while natural, contains concentrated sugars that can harm teeth if sipped often or served in large amounts.
Instead, offer water as the primary drink, especially between meals. Water helps rinse away food debris and keeps the mouth hydrated without feeding cavity-causing bacteria. For snacks, choose tooth-friendly options such as fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese, whole grain crackers, or crunchy vegetables.
A balanced, tooth-healthy diet is essential for building strong teeth and gums. Pediatric dentists emphasize that good nutrition supports not only your child’s overall development but also the strength and health of their enamel and gum tissue.
Make sure your child’s meals include plenty of calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Calcium helps strengthen tooth enamel and plays a vital role in bone development.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables—such as apples, carrots, and celery—naturally help clean teeth while stimulating saliva flow, which neutralizes acids in the mouth and keeps bacteria in check.
Try to minimize processed snacks and refined carbs, which can stick to teeth and encourage cavity-causing bacteria.
Fluoride is a powerful tool in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. One of the easiest ways to ensure your child is getting enough fluoride is by using fluoride toothpaste. For children under 3, use a smear the size of a grain of rice; for kids aged 3 and older, a pea-sized amount is just right. It’s also important to supervise brushing to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste.
In some cases, your pediatric dentist may recommend professional fluoride treatments during routine checkups. These treatments involve applying a concentrated fluoride gel or varnish to your child’s teeth, providing an extra layer of protection—especially if they’re at higher risk for cavities.
Active kids need strong protection—not just for their heads and bodies, but for their teeth too. Whether it’s football, basketball, hockey, or even skateboarding, any contact sport or activity with a risk of falls or collisions can put your child’s smile at risk. That’s why pediatric dentists strongly recommend using a mouthguard during sports.
A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the best protection. Unlike store-bought versions that may be bulky or ill-fitting, a mouthguard made by a pediatric dentist is designed to fit your child’s teeth comfortably and securely.
If your child is involved in any kind of contact or high-risk activity, speak to your pediatric dentist about getting a custom mouthguard. It’s a small investment that can prevent painful injuries and costly dental emergencies—keeping your child’s teeth safe while they play hard and stay active.
While it may be comforting for young children to fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup, this habit can pose a serious risk to their dental health. Pediatric dentists warn that prolonged exposure to milk, formula, or juice during sleep can lead to a condition known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”
When a child falls asleep with a bottle or sippy cup in their mouth, the liquid often pools around the teeth. The sugars in milk or juice feed oral bacteria, which produce acids that attack and break down tooth enamel—especially during sleep, when saliva production decreases and the mouth becomes more vulnerable.
To protect your child’s teeth, avoid giving anything other than water at bedtime. If your child insists on having a drink before sleep, offer a few sips of water instead of sugary liquids. Gradually weaning them off nighttime bottles or cups is a great step toward establishing healthier sleep and dental habits.
If you're unsure how to transition away from bedtime bottles, your pediatric dentist can offer guidance tailored to your child’s age and needs.
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health and catching potential problems before they become serious. Pediatric dentists recommend scheduling checkups every six months, starting by your child’s first birthday or when the first tooth appears.
These biannual visits allow the pediatric dentist to monitor your child’s tooth development, check for cavities, and evaluate bite alignment. Cleanings remove plaque buildup that brushing and flossing might miss, while fluoride treatments strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
Beyond prevention, regular visits help children become comfortable with the dental office environment.