Dental Care for Babies & Children

Building Healthy Smiles from the Start

At Hillcrest Dental Group, we believe that lifelong oral health begins in early childhood. Teaching your child good dental hygiene habits from a young age is one of the most valuable steps you can take toward ensuring a strong, confident smile for years to come.

 

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Although they’re temporary, baby teeth serve important purposes. They help children chew food, develop clear speech, and maintain space in the jaw for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early—due to injury or decay—neighbouring teeth can shift into the space, causing alignment problems when the permanent teeth erupt.

 

To protect your child’s developing smile, we recommend scheduling their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing.

 

Establishing Healthy Habits Early

 

Dental decay can begin as soon as a baby’s first tooth erupts—often around 6 months of age. This condition, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, most often affects the upper front teeth but can impact others as well. Without early intervention, decay may lead to pain, infection, and even premature tooth loss.

How to care for your child’s teeth at every stage:

 

Infants (0–3 Years)

• Clean gums daily with a soft, damp cloth

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears

• Use a smear-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (size of a grain of rice)

• Brush twice daily with supervision

 

Toddlers & Children (3–6 Years)

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste

• Continue brushing twice daily

• Begin flossing once two teeth touch

• Supervise brushing to avoid accidental swallowing of toothpaste

Continue brushing for your child until you are confident they can clean thoroughly on their own.

 

Teething Guidance

 

Most children begin teething around 6 months of age, with all 20 primary teeth typically appearing by age 3. Teething can cause fussiness, sleep disruption, drooling, or gum discomfort, but fever, rash, or diarrhea are not typical symptoms. If your child experiences these or seems unusually irritable, consult your pediatrician.

 

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

 

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental exam by age one. This initial visit allows us to

• Examine growth and development

• Identify potential oral issues early

• Provide brushing and care tips for parents

• Discuss habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking

 

We strive to create a welcoming, stress-free environment so that your child’s experience with dental care is positive and relaxed. Morning appointments are often best for younger children, who tend to be well-rested and cooperative.

 

The Role of Fluoride in Prevention

 

Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. It’s found naturally in water sources and is often added to public drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. If your child primarily drinks bottled or unfluoridated water, they may not be receiving enough fluoride to protect their teeth.

 

Speak with your dentist or pediatrician about whether your child might benefit from fluoride supplements or treatments. They can help assess your local water supply and your child’s unique needs.

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Pacifiers, Bottles & Cavity Prevention

 

While pacifier use is normal in infancy, dipping pacifiers in sugary substances like honey or juice significantly increases the risk of decay. Similarly, putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice can lead to rapid tooth damage.

 

To reduce bacterial transfer:

• Avoid sharing utensils or cleaning pacifiers in your mouth

• Use only water in bottles at bedtime

• Discontinue pacifier use by age 2–3, or as advised by your dentist

 

Caring for your child’s oral health begins long before their first permanent tooth appears. With early intervention, proper hygiene, and routine visits to the dentist, you’ll give your child the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.