*Updated February 2026
Key takeaways about caring for children’s teeth:
- Caring for children’s teeth begins before the first tooth appears and even during pregnancy, helping protect long-term oral health.
- Establishing a daily routine, modeling good behavior, and using child-friendly tools make it easier to keep children’s teeth clean and strong.
- Seeing a dentist early and often helps prevent cavities, catch problems early, and support a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you’ve spent time around children, you know getting them to brush their teeth isn’t always easy. Still, prioritizing your child’s oral health is essential to their overall well-being and long-term health.
Caring for children’s teeth starts earlier than many parents realize, even before the first tooth appears. From pregnancy through the early years, small steps can make a big difference in building a healthy, confident smile. That’s why we’re sharing five simple tips to take care of children’s teeth and set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Five tips to care for your children’s teeth
1. Practice good oral health care during pregnancy
Many mothers are unaware that their oral health habits during pregnancy can impact their unborn children’s teeth. Due to changes in hormones and symptoms of pregnancy, expectant mothers are more likely to experience dental problems, including:
- Gingivitis: 60-75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis due to changing hormones while pregnant. Gingivitis can lead to preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Cavities: One in four women of childbearing age has untreated cavities. Children whose mothers have untreated cavities are three times more likely to develop cavities early in life.
Taking care of oral health before birth is important for both the mother and baby.
Click here for more information on pregnancy and oral health.
2. Start a good oral health care routine when your children are young
Many parents don’t realize just how important it is to establish good oral health habits early. In fact, actively caring for your children’s teeth begins the moment they are born.
Use these oral health routine tips for infants/young kids:
- Begin brushing your children’s teeth as soon as they come in. Brush twice daily (morning and evening) and use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste once the child can spit it out.
- Don’t give children any beverages other than water before bedtime or naptime, and remember to clean baby bottles after each use to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
- When your child is old enough to brush on their own, supervise them to make sure they are brushing all their teeth and are using an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.
If you aren’t comfortable with your child brushing on their own, continue to brush for them and ask your dentist for tips and tricks to help your child pick it up.
3. Model good oral health behaviors
Children are natural imitators. They love to mimic what they see their parents do. Even when you think they’re not paying attention, they’re observing more than you realize. Use this to your advantage by setting a positive example and showing them the importance of a consistent oral health routine.
4. Use proper oral health tools designed for children’s teeth
Taking care of children’s teeth involves having the right tools. Proper oral care supplies make it easier to keep little mouths clean and healthy.
Here are a few essentials for caring for your child’s teeth and gums:
- Gauze pads or a clean washcloth for gently wiping gums before teeth appear
- Fluoride toothpaste (Make sure they are able to spit it out properly)
- An ADA-approved child-size toothbrush
- Kid-sized dental flossers
While these tools are similar to what adults use, choosing products designed for children is important. Toothbrushes and toothpaste made for small hands and mouths are more comfortable, easier to use, and better suited to keeping children’s teeth healthy.
5. See a dentist early
Teaching your kids about the importance of oral health care is essential, but maintaining your children’s teeth also requires regular visits to the dentist. These visits are crucial because dentists can clean areas that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach, which is especially important for children who may miss spots when brushing.
Additionally, your child’s dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay or potential cavities, helping to prevent bigger issues down the road. Regular dental check-ups set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Learn more about pediatric dentists here.
Prioritize your children’s teeth today for a healthier smile tomorrow
By taking proactive steps to care for your child’s oral health, you’re helping build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Developing good oral hygiene habits, using the right tools, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups all work together to prevent cavities and support strong, confident smiles as your child grows.
Want to learn more about pediatric oral health? Check out this blog: “Long term effects of poor oral health care on children”
