Dental Care For Kids: Top 10 Common Questions, Answered!

Welcome to our ultimate guide to understanding dental care for kids! As a parent, you already have a lot on your plate and adding dental care to the mix can feel like a bit of a challenge. From the joy of that first tooth to managing regular check-ups, it’s natural to have questions.

In this article, we’ve compiled the top ten questions parents commonly ask about kids dental care. Whether you're a seasoned parent or new to the journey, these tips will help you approach your child's dental health with confidence and ease. Let's begin!

1) When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and at what age can they begin brushing on their own?

You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears, typically around 6 months old. This helps establish a healthy oral care routine early on and prevents tooth decay.

Taking care of your child's teeth from an early age is crucial for their long-term oral health. Starting with primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, it's important to brush their teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay and caries risk.

As for when they can begin brushing on their own, most children become proficient at brushing their own teeth by age 6. However, it’s wise to supervise their brushing until they are a bit older to ensure they’re doing a thorough job. Always encourage good brushing habits and make it a fun and positive experience for them!

2) What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste should my child use?

For your child’s toothbrush, choose one with a small head and soft bristles to easily reach all parts of their mouth, along with a handle that's comfortable for their little hands.

When it comes to toothpaste, how much you use matters. For kids under 3, just a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice—does the trick. Around age 3 and up, you can switch to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

3) Does my child have to floss?

Not right away! Let us explain. While flossing is important for your child’s dental health, young children often have gaps between their teeth, so brushing alone is sufficient. You’ll want to start flossing once their teeth begin to touch each other, usually around age 2 or 3. It’s a good idea to floss before brushing to help loosen any food particles stuck between their teeth.

4) How often should my child see the dentist?

A visit to the dentist should be scheduled early for in monitoring your child’s oral health and establishing good dental care habits. 

Ideally, your child should visit the dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings, starting before their first birthday. These regular appointments are crucial for maintaining dental health and catching any issues early, such as tongue tie, which can affect breastfeeding. Thumb sucking is a common concern for parents but with proper guidance during dental visits, its impact on the development of permanent teeth can be managed.

Regular dental treatment and cleanings are essential as they help cleanse the teeth and maintain a healthy set of teeth. Dentists can also provide advice on managing teething problems and other dental concerns.

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5) Should I be concerned that my child grinds their teeth?

It’s quite normal for kids to grind their teeth, especially while they’re asleep. There are several reasons this might happen. In preschoolers, teeth grinding is linked to stress. It’s also common when they’re losing their baby teeth and their adult teeth are coming in, which can cause some discomfort.

If your child is grinding their teeth, try not to worry too much—there’s a good chance they’ll outgrow it. However if the grinding persists into their teenage years, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist.

6) Why do we need to treat and save baby teeth when they are going to fall out anyway?

Baby teeth are more than just temporary teeth; they play an important role in your child's overall dental health. Here’s why it’s important to take good care of them—

• They hold the space for the adult teeth that will come in later. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the other teeth can move into the gap, which can cause crowding or alignment issues when the adult teeth come in. This might mean your child will need braces in the future to fix these problems.
• If a baby tooth gets very decayed, it can cause painful infection which may even spread to other parts of the body. The pain from these infections can be quite severe for your child. Plus, problems with baby teeth can sometimes affect the adult teeth that are coming in.

7) What should I do if my child has pain in her tooth?

If your child has a toothache, start by having them rinse their mouth with warm salt water. This can help clean the area, ease irritation and get rid of any food particles causing the pain. You can also gently floss around the sore spot to help with any trapped debris. Applying a cold compress to the outside of their cheek and giving them pain relievers as needed can help manage the pain. Avoid sugary or sticky foods, which might make the pain worse.

If the toothache is from a fall and a tooth has been knocked out, find the tooth and keep it in a container with milk. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for a check-up.

8) How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?

To keep your child’s teeth healthy and free from cavities, there are a few important habits to follow. First, ensure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses daily to remove food and plaque from between their teeth.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar can lead to cavities by feeding the bacteria in their mouth. Regular dental check-ups every six months are also crucial for catching any problems early. Prompt treatment helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems and keeps your child’s smile healthy.

9) What are dental sealants and does my child need it?

Dental sealants are a special coating placed on the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth to protect them. These teeth have tiny grooves and pits where food and bacteria can get trapped, increasing the risk of cavities.

Sealants create a thin smooth layer over these grooves, effectively "sealing" them, making the teeth easier to clean and less likely to hold harmful substances. Studies have shown that sealants can significantly lower the need for future dental treatments and reduce the number of emergency dental visits.

10) Are dental X-rays safe for my child?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for your child. The amount of radiation from dental X-rays is very low compared to other sources and the benefits of detecting potential problems early far outweigh any risks. The process is quick, simple and comfortable, making it an effective tool for maintaining your child’s dental health.

Conclusion

Taking care of your child’s teeth is important for their overall health. Teaching your child the importance of dental care ensures their adult teeth are strong and healthy. So, don't forget to bring your child for a dental visit early on, as this sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

However, every child is different, so it’s a great idea to talk to your dentist for advice that's specifically suited to your child’s needs. This way, you can help ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.

Have more questions? Feel free to send us a message here and we’d be happy to help!

References

1. American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Fluoride toothpaste use for young children. J Am Dent Assoc. 2014 Feb;145(2):190-1. doi: 10.14219/jada.2013.47. Erratum in: J Am Dent Assoc. 2014 Mar;145(3):236. PMID: 24487611.
2. Sen B, Blackburn J, Kilgore ML, Morrisey MA, Becker DJ, Caldwell C, Menachemi N. Preventive Dental Care and Long-Term Dental Outcomes among ALL Kids Enrollees. Health Serv Res. 2016 Dec;51(6):2242-2257. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12469. Epub 2016 Feb 29. PMID: 26927421; PMCID: PMC5134206.