Taking care of your child's teeth is incredibly important, but it can also feel overwhelming with so much to remember at various ages and stages.

This comprehensive guide on kids' dental in Saskatoon covers everything you need to know about protecting your child’s smile from infancy through to the teenage years.

Baby Teeth Tips (0-3 years)

Even before baby teeth emerge around 6 months, it’s crucial to develop good oral hygiene habits.

From cleaning gums to that very first dentist visit, here’s help with laying the foundation for your baby's oral health journey.

Cleaning and Brushing

● Clean gums - Before teeth erupt, gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft cloth after feeding. This removes residue that can harm developing teeth.

● First toothbrush - Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears with a baby toothbrush and water. This will get your child used to the habit.

● Toothpaste time - Begin using a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste around 12-14 months old as your baby learns to spit instead of swallow.

Age	Cleaning Tips
0-6 months	Gently wipe gums with soft cloth
6-12 months	Brush with soft baby toothbrush and water
12-14 months	Pea-sized fluoride toothpaste once spitting reflex develops

Diet and Drinks

What your child eats and drinks impacts oral health too:

● Avoid sugary drinks - Fruit juice, formula, milk, and other sweet drinks expose teeth to sugars that feed decay-causing bacteria. Water is the best option.

● Watch starch intake - Starchy snacks also break down into cavity-promoting sugars. Limit frequency of items like crackers and cereals.

● Ease off bottles - Don’t allow baby to nap or sleep with milk- or juice-filled bottles as sugars coat teeth for long periods.

First Dentist Visit

The latest guidelines say to schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first tooth eruption or first birthday - whichever comes first! This gets your baby comfortable with the experience early on.

The dentist will check for proper tooth and jaw development while also showing you the best techniques for caring for your baby’s mouth. They can catch potential issues early and will have useful suggestions to improve home care.

Primary Teeth Tips (3-6 years)

These middle years are when kids start preschool or kindergarten, become more independent, and lose those first pearly whites as adult teeth start moving in. Keep smiles sparkling amidst all the transitions with these tips!

Brushing and Flossing

Now that all 20 baby teeth are typically in place by age 3, consistent hygiene is key to avoiding lesions and cavities:

● Brush twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste in a pea-sized amount. Kids can practice proper technique but will need help reaching all areas.

● Start daily flossing whenever teeth touch each other - around 2 to 2.5 years old. Again, they’ll need assistance for safe, thorough cleaning between teeth.

● Fun timers, songs, and apps make brushing and flossing more exciting while ensuring kids spend the full 2 minutes.

Diet Considerations

As your child consumes more foods and drinks outside baby-type items, remain mindful of oral health:

● Read labels - Choose snacks and beverages low in sugar to avoid acids and starches attacking enamel.

● Curb acidic drinks - Limit, if not avoid completely, juice, soda, and sports drinks which break down tooth material.

● Monitor starches - Potato chips, cookies, and fruit roll-ups get stuck, contributing to decay.

Pediatric Dentist Visits

Routine pediatric dental exams help spot issues early and reinforce positive habits:

● Every 6 months - Regular cleanings and scanning for problems protects smiles between ages 3-6.

● Fluoride and sealants - In-office treatments make teeth more decay-resistant. Sealants minimize pits and grooves trapping food.

● Spaces assessed - The dentist monitors appropriate spacing plus timing of loose first teeth and new teeth coming in.

Transitional Dental Care (6-14 years)

As adult teeth emerge, kids gain more independence with hygiene while understanding cavities’ repercussions. Plus those pesky wisdom teeth need watching!

Brushing and Flossing Habits

With premolars and permanent molars coming in, amp up brushing and flossing to care for additional teeth:

● Assist brushing - Up to around age 8, kids still need help reaching all tooth surfaces for sufficient plaque removal.

● Floss before bed - Have child floss thoroughly each night to clear trapped particles and food.

● Mouthwash matters - Supervise rinsing with fluoride mouthwash once daily. Teach correct swishing technique.

Note: If dexterity or motivation is an issue, occupational therapy helps build skills.

Diet and Hydration

A balanced diet plus proper hydration prevents damage in this sugar- and snack-heavy stage:

● Well-rounded nutrition - Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins provide vitamins and minerals for growth and oral defense.

● Curb sugary temptations - Limit candy, baking treats, and sweetened foods. Rinse with water after to counter acids.

● Hydrate healthfully - Water satisfies thirst better than acidic or sugary drinks while protecting teeth.

Age	Brushing Regimen
6-8 years	Help with thorough brushing (especially back teeth)
8+ years	Ensure consistent twice-daily 2-minute sessions

Dentist Check-Ups

Biannual dental cleanings and X-rays during this transitional period spot developing issues:

● Monitor emerging teeth - Ensure permanent teeth grow in correctly spaced plus straight.

● Assess bite alignment - Crooked bite can lead to tooth or jaw pain. May require palate expander or braces.

● Check third molars - Wisdom teeth cause most problems. Dentist confirms if/when removal needed.

Caring for little teeth turns into nurturing lifetime dental wellness. But it doesn’t need to be intimidating.

Arm yourself with the knowledge this guide provides to ensure your child’s mouth stays happy and healthy as they grow!

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Child's Teeth (From Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth)