Did you know that oral diseases affect around 20% of children up to 12 years old? Raising a child means navigating countless milestones. There are your baby’s first steps, first words, and so on. However, we often overlook the ”firsts” of their oral health.
Like every other part of their body, your child’s mouth constantly grows and changes. Neglecting these changes can cause tooth infections, leading to pain and discomfort. The solution here is to stay one step ahead at all times. Here is a guide that will walk you through every key oral health milestone. Read on to learn some useful tips on how to deal with these.
Infancy (0 to 12 Months)
This is the teething stage. Babies are born with a full set of 20 primary teeth developing under their gums. The bottom teeth emerge around 6 months. (This can be as early as 4 months or as late as 10, so don’t stress!). Teething is exciting for the parents. For the baby, though, it is more of a nightmare.
At this point, your infant will want to chew on everything in sight. They will frequently be agitated and might become clingy. The discomfort will likely disrupt their sleep, too.
This stage is all about getting into good habits early. Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding. A chilled teething ring can provide comfort, especially when they wake up because of the irritation. You can also use a teething gel to relieve them. Ensure that the gel is safe from chemicals like benzocaine or lidocaine, as these are dangerous for the baby.
It is ideal to schedule the first dentist appointment around your baby’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This will help identify emerging issues and guide you on what to expect.
Toddlerhood (1 to 3 Years)
This is when new teeth start erupting. The molars and canines will usually come out at this point. However, the risk of cavities will likely increase, especially with bottle-feeding and sugary snacks. Toddlers may also resist brushing as they want to become more independent about routines. Here are some tips for this stage:
- Brush with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and only a small (rice-sized) amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush their teeth twice a day. Do it after breakfast and before bed.
- Avoid bottles and sippy cups at bedtime or naps, as they can lead to baby bottle tooth decay.
- Limit sugary drinks in bottles.
- Encourage your toddler to switch to a cup as soon as possible.
- Brush alongside them to make it seem like a fun activity rather than a requirement.
- Schedule regular dentist appointments to monitor development.
If you live in Baltimore, consider visiting the Sparkling Charms Pediatric Dentist to catch potential issues. These professionals will provide a warm, family-friendly environment to put your toddler’s mind at ease while enhancing their dental health. Dental check-ups will feel significantly less stressful, improving your experience.
Preschool (3 to 5 Years)
Most children will have all their 20 baby teeth in place by age 3. Their adorable grins will fully form, and so will their opinions. There will be a lot of those, and your preschooler will insist on doing things all by themself. However, they will still need a guiding hand. Preschoolers do not yet have the coordination or attention span to clean their teeth thoroughly. For instance, they may skip the back molars where most cavities start.
This age is perfect for building routines and making oral hygiene fun. Firstly, have them brush and floss under your supervision. Join them and make it a fun morning or nighttime routine. You can sing songs, use a brushing app, or set up a sticker chart for rewards. Leverage your child’s interests to encourage them to clean their teeth properly.
Your routine must also include discipline now. Limit sticky, sugary snacks and drinks, and ensure your preschooler brushes their teeth after consuming them. You can also reach out to your chosen pediatric dentists for tips. For instance, you can ask them about fluorine varnish or sealants to provide extra protection against cavities.
Middle Childhood (6 to 12 Years)
This stage will bring big changes. Around age 6, baby teeth begin falling out. This usually starts with the bottom front teeth. Permanent teeth will move in, with the ”six-year molar” being among the first ones to do so. These molars will appear behind the baby teeth and are crucial for chewing and alignment. They are also more cavity-prone due to their location.
Tackling oral hygiene during this stage is similar to the previous stages. However, you must pay special attention to the first permanent molars. Continue supervising brushing and flossing until the age of eight or nine. Additionally, visit the dentist every six months to track tooth eruption.
The child’s jaw and facial structure will grow rapidly during this time, so you might notice signs of crowding, misalignment, or bite issues. Refer to an orthodontist if you notice misalignment. Early referrals can help guide proper jaw and tooth development, saving you the long-term hassle.
Adolescence (12 to 18 Years)
Most children will have all their permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth) by their teenage years. Your teen will be responsible for brushing their teeth and taking care of their hygiene. However, diet choices shift significantly. Most teens will choose sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, contributing to tooth decay.
This is a key time for orthodontic treatment. Braces and aligners are common, and it might be hard to maintain good oral hygiene with them. Similarly, some teens will wear mouthguards for sports. Here are some tips we have for parents of teens:
- Give them independence: Controlling every aspect of your teen’s life will only end up with them lashing out, mostly in self-destructive ways. So, stay subtly involved, but do not try to take over their lives. Encourage good routines in a friendly rather than an imposing manner.
- Link oral health to confidence: Appearance can be a strong motivator. Show them they will be more confident with fresher breath or a whiter smile.
- Create a dental kit: These are great for school bags or practices. Create a kit with a toothbrush, mini toothpaste, floss, and wax for braces.
- Limit sugary or acidic drinks: Suggest healthier alternatives like unsweetened coconut water, herbal iced teas, or infused water. Remember, you cannot eliminate sugar entirely from your teen’s life, so limit its consumption by giving them tasty substitutes.
Keep up with regular dental checkups even as your children grow up. Teens can benefit from pediatric support, and your dentist can track the growth of wisdom teeth, too.
Endnote
Oral health is not just about teeth. It is about comfort, confidence, and building habits that will last for a lifetime. As a parent, you must stay patient and consistent to guide your kids toward dental hygiene. Follow the tips above and consult a pediatric dentist for your child’s overall development. Remember, every stage is a step forward.
