A Toothy Timeline
Dental Milestones Every Parent Should Know
Kids really do grow up fast. One moment they’re teething, and the next they’re getting their wisdom teeth removed in time for college. Along the way, they encounter so many changes that it’s overwhelming to keep track of them all. However, staying up to date on your kids’ dental developments is worth it. Here’s all the important milestones you can expect for your kids and how to keep their teeth healthy at each stage. Newborn to 3 Years Old Even before your child’s teeth come in, you can care for their oral health. Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe their gums to clean away bacteria. Once their first tooth emerges, start brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Once they have teeth side by side, begin flossing regularly. By 3 years old, they should have a full set of baby teeth, and you can increase the amount of toothpaste to pea-sized.
At this point, begin scheduling biannual dental cleanings as well. 3–6 Years Old These are formative years for your child and their teeth, so instilling good habits is important. Continue to brush their teeth every day to prevent tooth decay and acclimate them to the routine so they’re ready to take over when they’re old enough — usually around 6 years old. Also, while it’s normal for kids to suck their thumbs during this period, it’s a good idea to curb the habit before they get much older because alignment issues can occur as adult teeth grow in. 6–12 Years Old This is when the tooth fairy gets to shine. Over this period, your child should lose all 20 baby teeth and grow their molars. They’ll also be ready to take over brushing and flossing duties, It’s been a long, weird winter. When we’re in the middle of the cold winter months, I find myself daydreaming about being on the beach enjoying that warm summer breeze. Since we’re still several weeks away from that warmth and sunshine, the next best thing is to put on some summertime jams. My go-to is a little-known group called The Pete and Mike Band. Named after the founders and the only two band members, Pete McNamara and Mike Schanbacher, The Pete and Mike Band really captures the sound of the beach bum lifestyle. Their music is carefree, the kind of rock I’d call “California reggae,” which is funny because they’re actually from Woods Hole on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Their songs are smooth, easy listening while still being full of interesting sounds and instruments. One of their songs could feature eight different instruments, which is really cool when you realize that it’s just these two guys playing everything. One of my sons introduced me to this band years ago, and since then I’ve bought all four of their CDs. My favorite is “Afloat,” which was Dr. Stuckey’s Playlist
so be sure they stick to the routine. Consider visiting an orthodontist during this period to get ahead of any potential alignment issues as adult teeth come in. The Teenage Years If your child needs braces, their teen years are generally the time to use them, and it’s important they adjust their brushing and flossing habits to account for the brackets. Your child may also need wisdom teeth removed anywhere from 17–25 years old. Hopefully by then, they will possess the positive dental habits to make this the only major dental surgery they’ll ever need.
Longing for Summer?
Don’t Miss Kids’ Day
Have you heard about Kids’ Day? Once a month, Briarfield Dental Care throws a special celebration focused exclusively on our youngest patients. The office is transformed with fun decorations, the whole team gets dressed up, and there are lots of prizes for kids who come in to join the fun. Plus, we have special spin brushes and offers on sealants and mouthguards only available during Kids’ Day.
March 19 - Dinosaur Day April 23 - Superhero Day May 21 - Shark Day June18 - Pirate Day July 23 - Summer Olympics
Congratulations to Nicholas! Nicholas had his name drawn and won a Crest + Oral B Fun Pack. The fun pack has an electric toothbrush, toothpaste, anti- Kids Club Winner:
the first CD The Pete and Mike Band released back in 2007. It has my favorite song of theirs, “Clueless,” which is the kind of song that instantly makes you start dreaming about being at the beach on vacation. If you’re tired of this long winter, I highly recommend checking out The Pete and Mike Band. They have the catchy, uplifting beats to help get you through the last of the winter blues.
cavity fluoride, and floss picks — all designed to support healthy dental hygiene!
419-866-6985 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 3
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