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Good habits start early! Did you know your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday? Let’s keep your child’s smile healthy and bright for years to come with regular dentist visits and good brushing habits.
Good pediatric dental health helps them eat, sleep, speak clearly, feel confident, and stay focused at school. Research shows that problems with children’s dental health can lead to missed school days and lower classroom performance. But here’s the good news: most dental issues can be prevented with simple daily habits and regular checkups.
In this guide, you’ll learn how you can set your child up for a healthy smile for life. At TrueCare, our goal is to make dental care comfortable, positive, and easy for every family. We care for children and teens across North San Diego and South Riverside Counties, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Why Early Dental Care for Kids Matters
Parents ask all the time: “Do baby teeth really matter if they’re just going to fall out?” The answer is yes, baby teeth matter a lot.
Baby teeth help your child:
- Chew safely and enjoy their food
- Learn to speak clearly
- Smile with confidence
- Hold the space for the adult teeth growing underneath
When their teeth aren’t healthy, it can cause pain and infections. It can also make it harder for the adult teeth to come in the right way later. Dental health is part of whole-body health, too. Mouth pain can affect sleep, eating, behavior, and overall comfort. You can learn more about that connection in our article on the impact on overall well-being.
How Common Is Tooth Decay in Children?
Tooth decay in children is very common. In fact, tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma in young children.
- Toddlers (Ages 2–5): About 11% (1 in 9) have at least one baby tooth with untreated decay.
- Young Children (Ages 6–8): Nearly 18% (almost 1 in 5) have untreated decay in their baby teeth.
- Adolescents (Ages 12–19): About 10% (1 in 10) have at least one untreated cavity in their permanent teeth.
If those findings feel a little scary, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not “behind.” Early and regular dental visits are one of the best ways to catch small problems before they turn into big ones. And if your child hasn’t seen a dentist yet, that’s OK. You can start now!
Key Milestones: Your Child’s First Teeth
Knowing what’s normal helps you feel confident about caring for your child’s smile.
First Tooth
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 10 months. It’s usually one of the bottom front teeth.
Once you see that first tooth, you can start brushing, and it’s a great time to plan your first visit with a pediatric dentist. That first check is gentle and simple. It’s mostly about getting your baby used to the idea that the dentist is a safe place.
A Full Set
By around age 3, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
Those little teeth matter more than people realize. They help your child chew, speak, and smile. They also guide where the adult teeth will go later. Taking care of baby teeth now helps protect the adult teeth that haven’t even come in yet.
Losing Teeth
Kids usually start to lose baby teeth around age 6. They’ll keep losing and replacing teeth into middle school, and many kids finish around age 11 or 12. Seeing a dentist regularly during this time helps make sure everything is healthy and growing the way it should.
If you’re wondering what to expect at the first dentist appointment, check this guide we made for you. We’ll walk you through it step by step. If you haven’t taken your child in yet, no worries. You can begin at any age, and we’ll meet you where you are.
Building a Strong Foundation: Dental Hygiene for Kids
Daily habits at home make a huge difference in children’s dental health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, also to other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, and more. Most serious dental problems can be avoided with consistent at-home dental care and regular visits to a dentist, which should include regular cleanings and fluoride treatments.
You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent.
Healthy teeth and gums support overall comfort, eating, speech, and even sleep. That’s why kids’ dental care is about more than just “no cavities.” It’s about helping your child feel good.
Here’s how to build great dental hygiene for kids, one step at a time.
The Role of Diet and Drinks
Water is the best everyday drink for healthy teeth. Sugary drinks, including juice, soda, sweetened milk, or formula, sitting on the teeth for long stretches, can feed the bacteria that cause cavities. Letting your child sip water throughout the day helps rinse the mouth and protect their smile.
Brushing and Flossing Routines
You don’t have to make this complicated. These small habits really help:
- Start early: Before teeth even show, you can gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Make it 2–3 minutes: Aim for two to three minutes of brushing time. That gives the fluoride in the toothpaste time to protect the teeth.
- Try an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes can remove plaque more effectively, and most kids think they’re fun. When brushing feels fun, kids are more willing to do it every day.
- Brush together: Kids love to copy you. Brush your teeth at the same time and let them “practice” on their own. After they’re done, you can do a quick helper pass to make sure everything is clean. For easier ideas, check out our 6 tips to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy.
- Don’t forget flossing: Once two teeth are touching, it’s time to start flossing. Flossing cleans the surfaces a toothbrush can’t reach, without it, up to 40% of each tooth can stay uncleaned.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today!
A healthy smile is a joyful one! At TrueCare, our compassionate team specializes in pediatric dental care, creating a positive and welcoming experience for your child. We offer a full range of dental services designed for the entire family, from routine exams and cleanings to fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings. We’re here to support you and your child at every stage, from the very first tooth to the “I lost another one!” years.
Ready to take the next step? Scheduling is simple.
- Call or Text: (760) 736-6767
- Find a location across North San Diego and South Riverside Counties.
Learn More About Our Pediatric Services
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