As a mom, you play a big role in shaping your child’s lifelong habits—including how they care for their teeth. Starting early makes it easier to build routines that support their health, confidence, and well-being for years to come.
To help you along the way, Dr. Annette Maggi, Pediatric Dentist at Cornerstone Dental, is sharing simple, age-specific tips to keep your child’s smile healthy at every stage.
Dental Tips For Every Age
A healthy smile begins well before the first baby tooth comes in. As a pediatric dentist—and a mom—I’ve seen firsthand how the habits built early on can shape a child’s oral health for life. Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children, but the good news is, they’re highly preventable. With a few simple routines at home and regular checkups, parents can make a big impact. I love helping families take the guesswork out of dental care and make it something that feels easy, doable, and even fun.
Ages 0–2: Baby Teeth, Big Beginnings
- First dental visit – Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting.
- Dental home – Establish a “dental home” early—ongoing care with a pediatric dentist helps prevent and manage problems before they start.
- Toothpaste – For children under 3 years, use a smear (grain of rice size) of fluoride toothpaste.
- Bedtime – Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water (prevents early childhood caries aka baby bottle rot).
- Introduce cup use at age 6 months and Weaning bottle use by 12 months, 15 months the latest.
- Thumb and Pacifier Habits – Non-nutritive sucking (thumb, pacifier) is normal for infants and toddlers. Encourage stopping by age 3 to avoid bite or jaw development issues. If difficulty stopping, consult your pediatric dentist for guidance.
Ages 3–6: Building Healthy Habits
Brushing and Flossing
- Brushing frequency: Brush twice daily (morning and before bed).
- Toothpaste for ages 3–6 years: use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Parental supervision: Parents should brush or help brush until age 7–8.
- Flossing: Begin flossing daily once any two teeth touch.
Healthy Diet Habits
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially sticky snacks and frequent sipping on juice.
- Encourage water between meals.
Injury Prevention
- Use age-appropriate car seats and mouthguards for sports or physical activities.
- Childproof your home to prevent dental trauma (e.g., avoid sharp edges, supervise play)
- If facial or dental injury occurs, please contact your dentist for evaluation – even if the injury occurs afterhours.
Regular Dental Visits
- Schedule routine check-ups every 6 months (or as recommended).
- Pediatric dentists can track tooth eruption, monitor for decay, apply sealants, and provide preventive care.
- Dental sealants are recommended for newly erupted permanent molars erupt around age 6—they prevent cavities
on the chewing surfaces.
Model Good Habits
- Children learn by watching—brush and floss together as a family!
- Make brushing fun with songs, timers, or apps designed for kids.
Tips For Preteens and Teens
Maintain Regular Dental Visits
- Continue routine check-ups every 6 months
- These visits monitor growth, tooth alignment, gum health, and the early signs of cavities or other oral issues.
- Discuss with your dentist if an orthodontic evaluation (for braces or aligners) might be needed — many assessments
begin at age 7
Reinforce Good Brushing and Flossing Habits
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes using fluoridated toothpaste.
- Encourage brushing before bed—the most important time of day to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Floss once a day—especially important if your child has braces or crowded teeth.
- Electric toothbrushes can help improve plaque removal and motivation.
Balanced Nutrition for Healthy Teeth
- Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks—especially sports drinks, energy drinks, and soda
- Encourage water as the main beverage, especially between meals.
- Teach teens to check labels—many “healthy” drinks like smoothies or flavored waters contain high sugar.
Protect Teeth During Sports
- Use a custom or boil-and-bite mouthguard for all contact or high-risk sports (football, basketball, skateboarding, etc.).
- Mouthguards prevent fractures, tooth loss, and soft tissue injuries.
Be Aware of New Teen Risks
- Oral piercings can lead to infection, tooth fracture, or gum injury—discuss risks before deciding.
- Tobacco, vaping, and alcohol can harm oral tissues, stain teeth, and increase oral cancer risk.
- Encourage open discussion about these habits and their long-term health impact.
Address Appearance and Confidence
- Teens often care about their smiles. Support their interest in whitening or orthodontics—but ensure products or services are
dentist-approved. - Avoid over-the-counter whitening kits without professional guidance; they can cause sensitivity or enamel damage.
Encourage Independence—But Stay Involved
Tip: Teenagers often rush brushing—remind them the goal is to clean all surfaces, not just make foam!
- Let teens take responsibility for their oral care while continuing to check that they brush and floss properly.
- Keep fluoride toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash readily available.
- Remind them: a healthy smile boosts confidence and supports lifelong oral health.
More About Cornerstone Dental
At Cornerstone Dental, we understand the importance of early dental care in shaping a lifetime of healthy habits. Our team of experienced dentists is committed to providing gentle, compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of children. From preventive treatments like cleanings and sealants to restorative services and orthodontics, we’re here to ensure your child’s dental experience is positive and stress-free.
We are excited to share that Dr. Maggi and Dr. Restrepo are currently accepting new pediatric patients at our Greece, NY office on Mt. Read Blvd. Call our office at (585) 865-7030 or fill out the online form to book your child’s appointment today!
Affordable Care with Cornerstone Kids Club
We created the Cornerstone Kids Club to make dental care accessible for all families — especially those without insurance or with plans we do not accept or participate with.This annual membership includes two preventive visits per year and a discount on additional services. Everything is covered under one affordable, upfront price. No deductibles, no surprise bills— just great care from a team that treats your family like our own.
