As a parent, you want your child to grow up healthy and happy—and that includes taking care of their smile! Developing good oral hygiene habits early on can help your little one avoid cavities, build strong teeth, and feel confident about their smile for years to come. At Ames Dentistry, we understand that dental care for kids needs to be easy, gentle, and even a little fun. That’s why our team is committed to making every visit comfortable for both you and your child.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your child’s teeth at home—and how we can help along the way.

Tips for Taking Care of Kids’ Teeth at Home

1. Start Early—Even Before the First Tooth

Believe it or not, good oral care begins before your baby’s teeth come in!

• Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings.
• As soon as their first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a baby toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

2. Help Them Brush and Floss

It’s no secret that kids need a little help with brushing and flossing. Most kids don’t have the coordination to do a good job on their own until about age 7 or 8.

• Brush with them to make sure they’re getting those hard-to-reach spots.
• When their teeth start touching, introduce flossing to keep plaque from building up between them.

3. Make Healthy Choices Fun

Sugary snacks and drinks are tempting, but they’re tough on teeth. Encourage your child to reach for water instead of soda and snack on things like cheese, yogurt, and crunchy fruits and veggies. These foods are great for their growing teeth!

4. Keep Brushing Fun

Brushing doesn’t have to be a chore—turn it into a game!

• Use a toothbrush with their favorite character or a fun color.
• Play their favorite two-minute song while they brush to keep them engaged.
• Offer small rewards, like stickers or extra playtime, to celebrate good brushing habits.

Preventing Dental Problems Before They Start

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or when their first tooth comes in. After that, regular check-ups every six months will help us spot any issues early. Plus, these visits give us a chance to teach your child how to care for their smile.

2. Protect with Fluoride and Sealants

• Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel, keeping cavities at bay.
• Sealants are a simple, painless way to protect molars by sealing off those deep grooves where food tends to get stuck.

3. Watch for Teeth Grinding

Some kids grind their teeth at night, which can wear down their enamel. If you notice this, let us know—we can create a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth while they sleep.

4. Gently Wean Off Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers

While thumb-sucking and pacifiers are comforting for little ones, using them for too long can affect how their teeth grow. If you need tips on how to help your child stop, we’re here to help!

How Ames Dentistry Makes Dental Visits Easy for Kids

We know that dental visits can feel intimidating for kids (and parents!). That’s why our team at Ames Dentistry goes the extra mile to create a welcoming and stress-free environment for families.

1. Friendly Cleanings and Check-Ups

We make sure your child’s visit is easy and fun, using kid-friendly language to explain every step of the process. We want your little one to feel comfortable and even excited to visit us again!

2. Fluoride and Sealant Treatments

Our fluoride treatments and sealants provide extra protection to keep your child’s smile cavity-free. These quick treatments are painless and perfect for active kids who need reliable dental care.

3. Early Orthodontic Assessments

We also keep an eye out for any alignment issues as your child grows. If we spot something that might require braces or other orthodontic care, we’ll guide you through the process and help you decide on the right time to get started.

Let’s Take Care of Your Child’s Smile Together!

At Ames Dentistry, we know that every child’s smile is special, and we’re here to help you protect it. With gentle care, fun visits, and expert guidance, we’ll work together to set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy teeth and happy smiles.

📍 Visit us in Xenia or Wilmington and let us make your child’s dental experience as smooth as possible.

📞 Call today to schedule your child’s next check-up—because it’s never too early to start building great dental habits!