Help your child care for their teeth at every age
Helping children to cement good habits starts early, and continues all the way through their childhood and adolescence.
Caring for our teeth is one such good habit, so here's a quick guide to every age and stage - each with its own challenges and milestones - so you don't miss anything...
4-24 months
Stage
Your baby is getting his first tooth, going from a gorgeous gummy smile to a couple of pearly whites!
Care
Now's the time to get into the habit of brushing. Using a kid-friendly toothbrush, for the appropriate stage (try Oral B Pro-Health Stages Disney Winnie the Pooh toothbrush), and making the process fun, will make it all much easier to get your little one to clean their teeth.
Now's the time to...
...make it fun! Use the Oral-B Disney Magic Timer app to add a little magic to the process. Available from iTunes and Google Play.
2-4 years
Stage
By three years of age your child will probably have their full set of primary teeth: that's 20 in total. Healthy teeth are white with no spots or streaks, and healthy gums are pink and smooth.
Care
You should help your child clean her teeth at least twice a day, using a specially formulated toothpaste like Oral- B Pro-Expert Stages. Its fresh taste and Disney characters on the packaging will make her all the more likely to brush.
Now's the time to...
...book a dentist visit. A pediatric dentist specialising in young kids will make the experience fun and memorable for all the right reasons!
5-8 years
Stage
Oh, it's time for the tooth fairy to pay a visit! Around age six your child will start losing her baby teeth and getting her permanent teeth.
Care
Continue to support good habits. Flossing is part of a good oral hygiene regime, and as your child's dexterity develops you can help them to learn how to floss on their own. Here's a handy guide on teaching your kid how to floss.
Now's the time to...
...introduce an electric toothbrush. From age three upwards your little one can start using a pulsating brush, with an in-built timer, like this one. Not only will it make brushing more fun, but it is also much better at keeping plaque away.
8-12 years
Stage
Little by little your child's gappy smile is being replaced with her permanent teeth.
Care
Starting to take responsibility for their own dental care, your child is starting to make his own food choices. Support this by having the right foods available at home, like fruits and vegetables, and teaching them the importance of a balanced diet to overall health and good oral health too.
Now's the time to...
...set an example. Our children watch what we do closely, more than listen to what we say. Make sure you model good dental habits yourself by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash in front of them.
13-18 years
Stage
Your teen should be starting to see the importance of oral hygiene in their life. This stage is one of change: third molars (wisdom teeth) may or may not make an appearance, and having a fresh breath becomes paramount for your teen.
Care
As your teen asserts his independence, dental care habits might slip - support them in this challenging time by visiting the dentist regularly and highlighting the importance of oral health to their overall hygiene.
Now's the time to...
...visit an orthodontist if you believe your teen might need braces. Getting them their first proper electric toothbrush is also a good idea now, particularly as it's great at getting any food caught on their braces.
What stage is your child at? How do you best support them in their care for their teeth? Let us know in the comments section below...