Dental Care Timeline

Birth to 6 Months

• Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth after feedings. 
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened drinks.
• Begin establishing a daily oral care routine. For example, cleaning your baby's mouth and tongue every morning and night so they get in the daily routine. 

6 Months to 1 year

• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush.
• Brush twice a day using a rice sized amount of toothpaste.
• Introduce a cup around 6 months and gradually reduce bottle use and to help children get used to rinsing their mouth while brushing. 

By Age 1

• Schedule your child's first dental visit no later than their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears.
• The dentist will check tooth development, discuss cavity prevention, and answer questions about brushing, teething, fluoride, and nutrition.
• The first few dental visits are usually quick and the dentists typically clean and evaluate your child's mouth.  
• Continue brushing twice daily.

Ages 1–2

• Help your child brush every morning and night.
• Encourage drinking from an open or “training” cup instead of prolonged bottle use which can negatively affect your child's teeth. 
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
• Continue regular dental checkups as recommended by your dentist, typically every six months.

Ages 2–3

• Teach your child to spit out toothpaste without swallowing it.
• Continue using a rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until age 3.
• Once your child turns 3, increase to a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Begin introducing flossing if two teeth touch.

Ages 3–5

• Brush twice daily with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Parents should supervise and assist with brushing to make sure all tooth surfaces are cleaned.
• Floss daily.
• Encourage healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt. Try to limit sticky or sugary treats.
• Continue dental visits every six months or as recommended by your dentist.

Healthy Habits That Protect Young Teeth

• Brush twice daily
• Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become damaged or if your child was recently sick. 
• Offer water instead of sugary drinks whenever possible.
• Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from adult to child through sharing utensils, drinks, etc. Limit sharing these things with your child when you can. 

Signs It's Time to Contact a Dentist Sooner

• White, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
• Swollen, bleeding, or painful gums.
• Bad breath.
• Tooth injury or chipped teeth.
• Ongoing tooth pain or sensitivity.
• Delayed tooth growth, if you have concerns about your child's development.