Parent’s Checklist for Good Dental Health for Kids

Dental Care for Infants

Aside from your dentist, you are your child’s #1 dental health guide. Here are some recommended dental healthcare tips for all stages of childhood. Use our dental checklist from infancy through the teenage years.

• Clean your baby’s gums with gauze or a warm washcloth before the first teeth arrive.
• After feedings, wipe the gums with gauze or warm washcloth.
• Don’t give your baby a pacifier dipped in sugar or sweet liquids.
• Hold off using fluoride toothpaste until your baby is at least 24 months old.
• Schedule baby’s first dental visit by no later than six months. Your dentist will review important oral healthcare needs for the transition from infant to toddler.

Dental Care for Toddlers

• Show your toddler how to brush their teeth by setting an example.
• Use only a soft bristle toothbrush with a flexible head.
• Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Work inside to outside. Start with inner teeth surfaces first, with bristles angled toward the gum line.
• Brush the teeth chewing surfaces last.
• Ensure your toddler doesn’t swallow any toothpaste.
• Start the brushing and flossing routine early. Pick a consistent time for example, 15 minutes before bed every night, for your toddler to brush their teeth.

Dental Care for Children

• Continue to schedule regular dental appointments and pediatric dental check-ups.
• Provide healthy snacks for school lunches. Possibilities include celery with cream cheese, nuts, Greek yogurt with berries, and salads.
• Limit sugar consumption. Easier said than done, but children ages 5-12 will develop harmful snacking habits without proper guidance.
• Buy a new toothbrush every three months. Let your child pick out the color or design, but continue to use a soft bristle toothbrush.
• Pay attention to dental care advisories regarding certain school activities and sports. If necessary, have your child fitted for a mouth guard.
• Watch out for juices and soft drinks! Children love these sweet substances, but they’re a primary cause of tooth decay, gum disease

Dental Care for Teens

• Stay on track. The positive habits your children have built from infancy to childhood should continue through the teenage years.
• This is the “final stage” of positive dental health parenting – it’ll be over before you know it, so finish strong!
• Encourage your teen to brush 2-3 times per day, and floss at least once per day.
• Keep tabs on wisdom teeth. The arrival of wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, misaligned teeth and possibly cause mouth infections. If you’re not sure about wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
• Have your teen fitted for a mouth guard if they’re involved in any interscholastic sport. Even if your school district doesn’t require one, The Super Dentists recommend the extra protection.
• Get a new toothbrush every 3 months.
• Encourage a healthy diet. Try to limit excessive sugar consumption, and also avoid too many processed carbohydrates and sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.