Pediatric Dental Care Handbook

Essential information for parents on children's dental health from infancy through adolescence

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Table of Contents

  • • Introduction to Pediatric Dental Care
  • • Infant Oral Care (0-12 months)
  • • Toddlers & Preschoolers (1-5 years)
  • • School-Age Children (6-12 years)
  • • Teenagers (13-18 years)
  • • First Dental Visit Guide
  • • Teething & Tooth Eruption
  • • Cavity Prevention Strategies
  • • Nutrition for Healthy Teeth
  • • Common Pediatric Dental Issues

Introduction to Pediatric Dental Care

Children's dental health begins before the first tooth appears and continues through adolescence. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. This comprehensive guide will help parents navigate every stage of their child's dental development.

Key Fact

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease—5 times more common than asthma. However, it's almost entirely preventable with proper care!

Infant Oral Care (0-12 months)

Before Teeth Appear

Even before teeth emerge, babies need oral care. Clean your baby's gums after each feeding:

  • Wrap a clean, damp washcloth or gauze around your finger
  • Gently wipe baby's gums, tongue, and inside of cheeks
  • Do this after each feeding and before bedtime
  • This removes bacteria and prevents thrush

When First Teeth Appear

Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months. As soon as the first tooth appears:

Start Brushing

  • • Use infant toothbrush with soft bristles
  • • Rice grain-sized fluoride toothpaste
  • • Brush twice daily
  • • Gentle circular motions

Avoid

  • • Bottle in bed (causes decay)
  • • Prolonged bottle/sippy cup use
  • • Sugary drinks in bottles
  • • Sharing utensils (spreads bacteria)

Toddlers & Preschoolers (1-5 years)

Daily Care Routine

1

Morning Brushing

Brush for 2 minutes with pea-sized fluoride toothpaste after breakfast. Parent should supervise and help.

2

Healthy Snacks

Limit sugary snacks. Offer cheese, yogurt, vegetables, fruits. Avoid constant sipping on juice or milk.

3

Bedtime Routine

Brush teeth before bed. No food or drinks (except water) after brushing. This is the most important brushing of the day.

Making Brushing Fun

Use Songs

Play 2-minute songs or use brushing apps with timers

Reward Charts

Stickers for successful brushing sessions

Read Books

Dental-themed storybooks make it relatable

School-Age Children (6-12 years)

Children begin losing baby teeth around age 6. Permanent teeth start coming in and need extra care.

Increasing Independence

Parent Supervision Timeline

  • Ages 6-7: Parent brushes or closely supervises
  • Ages 8-10: Child brushes with parent checking
  • Ages 11+: More independence, periodic checks

Important Additions

Start Flossing (Age 6+)

When teeth start touching, begin flossing daily. Use floss picks if traditional floss is difficult.

Consider Sealants

Dental sealants on molars prevent 80% of cavities. Ask your dentist about this protective coating.

Sports Protection

Use mouthguards for contact sports, skateboarding, or any activity with fall/collision risk.

Teenagers (13-18 years)

Teens face unique dental challenges including braces, wisdom teeth, and increased independence.

Teen Dental Risks

  • • Energy drinks (high acid/sugar)
  • • Irregular brushing habits
  • • Tobacco/vaping
  • • Oral piercings
  • • Teeth grinding (stress)

Protection Strategies

  • • Maintain 2x daily brushing
  • • Floss daily
  • • Use fluoride mouthwash
  • • Regular dental check-ups
  • • Healthy diet choices

Orthodontic Care

Many teens have braces. Extra care is needed:

  • Brush after every meal (food gets trapped easily)
  • Use interdental brushes for around brackets
  • Floss with threaders or water flosser
  • Avoid hard, sticky foods that damage braces

First Dental Visit Guide

When to Schedule

Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.

Early visits establish a "dental home" and catch problems before they become serious.

Preparing Your Child

✓ Do:

  • • Use positive language: "The dentist will count your teeth"
  • • Read dental-themed children's books together
  • • Practice opening mouth wide like a lion
  • • Visit in the morning when child is rested

✗ Don't:

  • • Use words like "hurt," "pain," "shot," or "drill"
  • • Share your own dental fears
  • • Bribe with rewards (sets up negative expectations)
  • • Threaten: "If you don't brush, the dentist will..."

Teething & Tooth Eruption

Baby Teeth Timeline

Upper Teeth

  • Central incisors: 8-12 months
  • Lateral incisors: 9-13 months
  • Canines: 16-22 months
  • First molars: 13-19 months
  • Second molars: 25-33 months

Lower Teeth

  • Central incisors: 6-10 months
  • Lateral incisors: 10-16 months
  • Canines: 17-23 months
  • First molars: 14-18 months
  • Second molars: 23-31 months

*Timing varies - some children get teeth earlier or later

Soothing Teething Discomfort

Cool Relief

Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or clean wet washcloth

Gentle Massage

Rub gums with clean finger for 2 minutes

Pain Relief

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (consult pediatrician)

Avoid These Teething Products

  • • Benzocaine gels (FDA warning - can be dangerous)
  • • Homeopathic teething tablets (not proven safe/effective)
  • • Amber teething necklaces (choking hazard)
  • • Frozen teething rings (too cold, can damage gums)

Cavity Prevention Strategies

Do These Daily

  • Brush twice with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss once daily (when teeth touch)
  • Drink fluoridated tap water
  • Limit sugary snacks/drinks

Professional Care

  • Dental visits every 6 months
  • Fluoride treatments as recommended
  • Sealants on permanent molars
  • Regular professional cleanings

Nutrition for Healthy Teeth

Best Foods for Children's Teeth

Dairy

Milk, cheese, yogurt

Crunchy Veggies

Carrots, celery, peppers

Protein

Fish, eggs, lean meat

Fruits

Apples, berries, melons

Foods to Limit

  • Candy & sweets: Especially sticky/chewy types that cling to teeth
  • Sodas & sports drinks: High sugar and acid content erodes enamel
  • Fruit juice: Even 100% juice - limit to 4-6 oz daily, serve with meals
  • Crackers & chips: Stick to teeth and break down into sugar
  • Dried fruit: Very sticky, high natural sugar concentration

Common Pediatric Dental Issues

Thumb Sucking

Normal in infants/toddlers. Usually stops by age 4. If continues past age 5-6, can affect tooth alignment and jaw development.

Solution: Positive reinforcement, reminders, dental appliances if needed.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, especially at bedtime. Can cause severe decay in front teeth.

Prevention: Never put baby to bed with bottle. Finish bottles before sleep. Only water in bed if needed.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Emergency)

Baby tooth: Do not reinsert. Keep child calm, control bleeding. Call dentist.

Permanent tooth: Find tooth immediately. Hold by crown (not root). Rinse gently if dirty. Try to reinsert in socket or place in milk. See dentist within 30 minutes!

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Common in children, especially during sleep. Often related to stress, misalignment, or growth.

When to worry: If causing pain, worn teeth, or jaw issues. Dentist may recommend mouthguard.

Building Healthy Habits for Life

The dental habits you establish in childhood last a lifetime. By following this guide and maintaining regular dental visits, you're giving your child the gift of healthy teeth and a confident smile!