Parent FAQs

Teething and Early Care

Teething usually begins between four and seven months of age. Your baby may experience sore or tender gums, drooling, and fussiness. You can help by gently rubbing the gums with a clean, cool washcloth or offering a chilled teething ring.

Even before teeth appear, wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth erupts, begin brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing and Flossing

Good brushing and flossing habits should begin early:

• Birth to 3 years — parents should brush the child's teeth twice daily using a smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages 3 to 6 — use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should supervise and assist with brushing.
• Ages 6 to 8 — children can begin brushing on their own but still need supervision to ensure thoroughness
• Flossing — start flossing when two teeth touch each other, usually around age two or three
• Electric toothbrushes — these can be effective for children who have difficulty with manual brushing technique

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are natural comfort behaviours in infants and toddlers. Most children stop on their own between ages two and four. However, if the habit continues beyond age four, it can begin to affect the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw.

If your child has not stopped thumb sucking by age four, talk to your dentist about strategies to help them break the habit gently.

Diet and Cavity Prevention

Diet plays a significant role in your child's dental health. To help prevent cavities:

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
• Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula
• Offer water as the primary drink between meals
• Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese
• Avoid sticky, chewy candies that cling to teeth
• If your child chews gum, choose sugar-free varieties with xylitol

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Sources of fluoride include fluoridated toothpaste, professional fluoride treatments at the dental office, and fluoridated water.

Your dentist can assess your child's fluoride needs and recommend the appropriate amount based on their age, cavity risk, and the fluoride content of your local water supply.

Dental Emergencies in Children

If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact our office immediately. Common dental emergencies in children include:

• Knocked-out tooth — if it is a permanent tooth, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and bring it to the dentist immediately
• Cracked or broken tooth — rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and see the dentist as soon as possible
• Toothache — rinse with warm water, floss gently to remove any trapped food, and contact the dentist
• Bitten lip or tongue — clean the area gently and apply a cold compress. If bleeding does not stop, go to the emergency room

Frequently Asked Questions