Infant, Toddler, and Teen Oral Care: What are the Similarities and Differences?

This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.

Infants, toddlers, and adolescents require different approaches when it comes to dental care. It’s important as parents and caregivers to be familiar with these approaches so that children receive the best dental outcomes. If you want to learn how to care for teeth of all ages, read on.

Infant Oral Care (Ages 0 to 1)

It’s not uncommon to think that babies don’t require oral care, especially before teeth appear, but this is NOT the case. Infant oral care is essential to the health of baby teeth! Before teeth come in, wipe the gums with a damp cloth after feeding. When you notice your baby’s first tooth, it’s time to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush made for young children. Using a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is safe, healthy, and beneficial as soon as your child has their first tooth!

Establish a dental home by your child’s first birthday by scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist. The dentist will discuss age-appropriate guidance with you and complete a cleaning with a toothbrush and check for cavities and other oral health problems. 

Toddler Oral Care (Ages 1 to 3) 

Toddlers should brush twice a day with a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and keep teeth healthy until age 3. At this age, the caregiver will need to brush for the child, as they will not have the dexterity to do so themselves. Start weaning your child from any pacifier or thumb-sucking habits so that they ideally stop these habits by age 2. Your child should continue to see the pediatric dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings and exams to look for any oral health problems, such as cavities, missing teeth, or gum problems.

Preschool and School Age Oral Care (Ages 3 to 12)

At age 3, your child can start to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to continue to protect against cavities. Continue helping your child brush their teeth twice a day until age 5. At 5, your child can usually be trusted to brush independently in the morning but should still have adult help at night. By age 7 they will have the manual dexterity to do it themselves, but starting to teach them young will instill independence and make it a habit. If your child can tie their own shoes, they can usually brush their own teeth. Consider fluoridated toothpaste in fun flavors like bubblegum to motivate your adolescent to brush.

Floss your child’s teeth for them until they can take over for themselves. Continue checking for tooth decay even after your child starts brushing independently. According to the CDC, over 50% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have a cavity. If your child uses a pacifier or sucks their thumb past the age of 3, consult your dentist, as this could cause problems with your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw. Children in this age group should continue to see the pediatric dentist twice a year.

Teen Oral Care (Ages 13-19)

Teenagers need to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily. If they wear braces, limit chewy, sticky, and excessively crunchy foods. Continue to floss and supplement flossing with workarounds like a Waterpik. Your teen should continue to see the pediatric dentist every 6 months, and more frequently while in braces. Discourage smoking and vaping as these have long-term detrimental effects and can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. These bad habits are often picked up as teenagers, and your child has a better chance of never smoking or using other types of tobacco if they aren’t introduced to it in their teenage years.

Providing Healthy Smiles to Children in North Dallas

If your infant, toddler, or teen needs a pediatric dentist who provides knowledgeable and compassionate care, consider Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas. We specialize in pediatric dentistry and can offer personalized treatment options for your child. Call (214) 378-8868 to make an appointment or click here.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids of all ages use the same amount of fluoride toothpaste?

No, once the first tooth erupts, use a grain-of-rice sized smear of toothpaste until age 3, at which time you can start using a pea-sized amount.

How long does my child need to brush every day?

Children should brush for two minutes twice a day. For kids under ages 5, parents should brush for them. From ages 5-7, parents can supervise brushing. As a general rule, when kids have the dexterity to tie shoelaces independently, they have the dexterity to brush for themselves.

What foods should kids with braces avoid?

Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods when possible.

How can I help my kid with braces floss?

There are flossers made specifically to work with braces. You can also supplement flossing with a Waterpik.

When do I need to take my child to their first dental appointment?

Finding a dental home should happen by age 1 or when their first tooth comes in, whichever comes first.

When do kids need to start flossing?

Floss daily once teeth touch. Younger kids will need their parents to floss for them.