Your Child's Teeth Matter
Healthy teeth in childhood set the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Here's what every parent needs to know — from the first tooth to the teenage years.
Baby Teeth Are Not Throwaway Teeth
A common misconception is that baby teeth don't matter because they'll fall out anyway. In reality, primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support speech development, and allow children to chew nutritious food. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children — more common than asthma — and it's almost entirely preventable. The Supper covers children's dental health through a public health lens: what the evidence says, what's free or low-cost, and how to navigate care for your family.
Dental Milestones by Age
Before the First Tooth
Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice — this causes early childhood tooth decay.
First Tooth Appears
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Schedule the first dental visit by age 1.
Toddler Teeth
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice daily — morning and before bed. Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3.
Learning to Brush
Children can start brushing with supervision. Flossing should begin when teeth touch. First permanent molars typically arrive around age 6 — sealants can protect them from decay.
Mixed Dentition
Children lose baby teeth and gain permanent ones. This is a critical window for orthodontic evaluation. Continue twice-daily brushing and annual dental checkups.
Teen Teeth
Most permanent teeth are in by age 13. Wisdom teeth begin developing. Teens with braces need extra attention to brushing. Sports mouthguards protect against injury.
Six Ways to Protect Your Child's Teeth
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens enamel and is the single most effective tool for preventing tooth decay in children.
First dental visit by age 1
Early visits establish a dental home, catch problems early, and help children feel comfortable with dental care.
Limit sugary drinks — including juice
Fruit juice is nearly as damaging to teeth as soda. Offer water and milk instead, especially between meals.
Ask about dental sealants
Sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth can prevent up to 80% of cavities in school-age children.
Drink fluoridated tap water
Community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25% in children and adults. Check if your tap water is fluoridated at apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF.
Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months
Worn bristles are less effective. Replace sooner if your child has been sick.
Free & Low-Cost Dental Care for Kids
Medicaid & CHIP Dental Coverage
All children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP are entitled to dental benefits under the EPSDT program — including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and extractions at no cost.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs provide dental care on a sliding-scale fee basis regardless of insurance status. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Give Kids a Smile Program
The American Dental Association's annual program provides free dental care to underserved children at participating practices nationwide.
Signs Your Child May Have a Dental Problem
Tooth pain or sensitivity
Persistent pain when eating, drinking, or touching a tooth may indicate decay or infection.
White or brown spots on teeth
Early signs of enamel erosion or decay — especially common on front teeth in toddlers.
Swollen or bleeding gums
Gum disease can affect children. Bleeding during brushing is not normal and warrants a dental visit.
Mouth breathing or snoring
Can indicate airway issues related to dental development. An orthodontist or ENT evaluation may be needed.
Explore more health topics:
Get children's health news in your inbox
Subscribe to The Supper for free daily updates on children's health, public health news, and local medical resources in your community.
Subscribe Free