Gum and Periodontal disease is preventable with daily flossing and brushing, regular visits to the dentist, and professional dental cleanings. You can give your baby a head start, for a lifetime of teeth and great oral health.

  • The first teeth will begin to appear around 6-12 months.
  • If they are uncomfortable, give them a firm, rubber, teething ring or a cold wet cloth that is safe to use.
  • Never fill your baby’s bedtime or naptime bottle with anything but plain water.
  • Clean your baby’s teeth and gums with a washcloth before bed

Bring your baby to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. It can be a fun and informative visit that will establish good relationships – don’t wait until there is an emergency.

  • By 3 years old, most children will have their full set of baby teeth.
  • Baby teeth are important because they hold the space for the adult teeth (hidden underneath) to later “come in”
  • If baby teeth “fall out” before it’s the right time (see picture), the space could close up, and the adult tooth may not be able to come through when it is time
  • Keep helping your child floss and brush their teeth and watch for any changes
  • All the baby teeth should naturally “fall out” in around this time
  • All the adult teeth (except for the wisdom teeth) will “come in” during this time
  • Depending on the room in the mouth and the time teeth come in, your dentist may recommend braces as your child becomes a teenager
  • Your child should be able to floss and brush their own teeth by about 7 years old
  • Wisdom teeth “come in” when around 17-21 years old. A dentist will be able to tell you if there is room for them, or if they should be removed
  • As you get busier in life, don’t neglect to continue seeing a dentist regularly to avoid emergencies
  • As we get older, cavities become less of a concern, but watch out for gum disease that can lead to the loss of teeth.
  • Your gums protect your teeth and the bone that anchors your teeth in place
  • Gum disease causes your gums to bleed, and overtime, can cause the bone to erode – what’s called periodontal disease