Infant and Children's Oral Health
Middle Childhood and Adolescence:
Around the age of five or six, children will begin to notice teeth becoming loose and causing some discomfort. About the same time the primary (first) teeth begin to fall out, four permanent six-year molars will begin to come into the mouth. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about placing a protective coating (dental sealants) on the biting surface of these molars. Dental sealants can protect the tooth against dental decay (cavities).
5-8 years of age:
- Your child should brush for two minutes, at least two times a day, with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste
- Bring your child to his/her dentist for a regular checkup
- Intervene if your child regularly sucks fingers or thumb
- Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about dental sealants
8-10 years of age:
Some children at this age may experience some amount of crowding or irregularities with the way the permanent teeth come into the mouth. Many factors will determine if braces are needed or not. Ask your dentist if there is a need to have an evaluation with a specialist (Orthodontist).
- Your child should brush for two minutes, at least two times a day, with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste
- Teach your child how to use dental floss
- Teach your child how to handle dental emergencies
- Bring your child to his/her dentist for a regular checkup. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about dental sealants
- Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking and using spit tobacco.
Adolescence:
It is important to continue to practice healthy habits during the teen years and continue to have routine visits to the dentist.
- Your young adult should brush for two minutes, at least two times a day, with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and use dental floss daily.
- He/she should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet and to limit between meal snacks. He/she should avoid sugars and starches when snacking and limit the frequency of snacking throughout the day.
- Continue to bring your son/daughter to his/her dentist for a routine checkup. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about dental sealants.
- Continue to talk to your child about the dangers of smoking and using spit tobacco.
