Healthy smiles through every stage of childhood.

Caring for the gums

Before teeth arrive, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth or infant finger brush. This removes residue and helps your baby become comfortable with having their mouth cleaned.

When the first tooth appears

Begin using a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush as soon as the first tooth erupts. Ask your dentist or healthcare professional whether fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate based on your child’s individual cavity risk.

When fluoride toothpaste is recommended for a child younger than three, use only a very small smear, approximately the size of a grain of rice. An adult should perform the brushing.

Teething comfort

Teething may cause drooling, fussiness, and a desire to chew. A chilled, not frozen, teething ring or gentle gum massage with a clean finger may provide comfort. Speak with a healthcare professional before using teething medications or numbing products.

Feeding and cavity prevention

Frequent or prolonged exposure to milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened liquids can increase the risk of tooth decay. Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water.

The first dental visit

An early visit allows the dentist to evaluate development, discuss feeding and fluoride, answer questions about teething or sucking habits, and help your child become familiar with the dental environment before a problem occurs.

Brushing at home

Toddlers often want to brush independently, but an adult should remain responsible for completing a thorough brushing twice daily. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Fluoride recommendations for children younger than three depend on their individual risk of tooth decay. Follow the amount and instructions recommended by your dentist or healthcare professional.

Moving toward age three

For children between three and six, Canadian guidance recommends adult assistance and only a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste.

Flossing

Begin flossing when neighbouring teeth touch and the toothbrush can no longer clean between them. Your dental team can demonstrate easy positions and tools for flossing a toddler’s teeth.

Drinks and snacks

• Offer water as the main drink between meals.
• Limit frequent sipping on milk, juice, or sweet drinks.
• Avoid allowing a child to carry a sugary drink throughout the day.
• Choose balanced meals and planned snacks when possible.

Thumb sucking and grinding

Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and nighttime tooth grinding are common in young children. Your dentist can monitor development and let you know if or when intervention may be helpful.

Creating positive visits

Calm, routine dental visits help children become familiar with the office and allow the dental team to identify small concerns early. Avoid using the dentist as a threat or sharing frightening dental stories before an appointment.

Brushing and flossing

Children in this age group should brush twice daily using a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Most children still need an adult to supervise and complete areas they miss.

Floss daily wherever teeth touch. Floss holders or other age-appropriate tools may make the routine easier for children and parents.

Independence develops gradually

Being enthusiastic about brushing does not always mean a child has the coordination to clean every tooth effectively. Continue checking and assisting until they consistently demonstrate the ability to reach all surfaces.

Permanent molars

The first permanent molars often appear around age six. They erupt behind the baby teeth and are sometimes mistaken for temporary teeth. These molars have deep grooves and deserve careful brushing.

Fluoride and sealants

Your dentist may recommend professional fluoride treatment or dental sealants depending on your child’s cavity risk and tooth anatomy. Sealants create a protective layer over the grooves of back teeth.

Healthy choices

• Make water the regular drink between meals.
• Limit sticky candy and frequent sugary snacks.
• Encourage balanced meals rather than continuous grazing.
• Pack tooth-friendly snacks for school and activities.

Building confidence

Praise effort and consistency rather than expecting perfection. Positive reinforcement helps children see oral care as a normal part of caring for their bodies.

Independent care with reminders

Pre-teens should increasingly manage their own brushing and flossing, but gentle parental reminders and occasional checks are still valuable. Rushed mornings and late nights can quickly lead to skipped routines.

Protecting permanent teeth

Permanent teeth must last a lifetime. Regular cleanings, personalized fluoride recommendations, sealants when appropriate, and early cavity detection help protect these teeth during a period of significant change.

Food and drinks

Pre-teens may have more freedom to purchase snacks and drinks. Frequent exposure to pop, sports drinks, candy, and sticky foods can increase cavity risk. Encourage water and regular meals rather than frequent grazing.

Orthodontic development

Dental visits allow the team to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, spacing, crowding, and bite development. An orthodontic assessment may be recommended if there are concerns.

Sports protection

A properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of dental and soft-tissue injuries during sports and recreational activities. Ask the dental team what type is appropriate for your child.

Helpful habits

• Keep a toothbrush available for sleepovers or travel.
• Replace worn toothbrushes or brush heads regularly.
• Wear a mouthguard for activities with dental injury risk.
• Speak up about tooth sensitivity, pain, or appearance concerns.

Taking responsibility

Teens should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Parents can support independence by keeping supplies available and encouraging routines without turning oral care into a daily conflict.

Braces and aligners

Braces, attachments, retainers, and clear aligners require careful hygiene. Plaque can collect around orthodontic appliances, making thorough brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular professional care especially important.

Diet and enamel

Frequent soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and acidic beverages can increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion. Water is the best everyday drink between meals.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping can affect the mouth, gums, healing, and overall health. Honest, non-judgmental conversations can help teens understand the risks and feel comfortable asking for help.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom tooth development may be monitored during the later teen years. Not every patient needs removal, and recommendations are based on position, symptoms, available space, development, and individual risk.

Sports and dental injuries

Mouthguards are important for activities with a risk of impact. Contact the dental office promptly after a significant injury, broken tooth, displaced tooth, or ongoing dental pain.

Confidence and communication

Appearance concerns can affect confidence. Encourage your teen to discuss crowding, staining, tooth shape, bad breath, sensitivity, or other concerns directly with the dental team.