A Timeline for Guiding Your Child Toward Dental Health

Managing Windows of Infectivity of Oral Bacteria

Simple Keys to Developing a Healthy Oral Environment for Your Child

1. Moms begin chewing Xylitol Gum or Using Xylitol Mints 3 to 6 months after childbirth. Continue use until your child is outside the primary infectivity window at around 2.5 years of age. Consult our guides to Xylitol Gum and/or Xylitol Mints for effective use.
2. Have your child examined early on by a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child be seen at 6 months old or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth, but no later than 12 months old.  Their goal is to establish a dental home by age 1. 
3. Focus on keeping your child’s 6 year molars extremely clean as soon as they are visible in the mouth to prevent plaque from collecting. Have your child tell you if they feel a new tooth with their tongue, often the first permanent molars aren’t seen early on because they erupt behind the baby teeth. Consult our articles on brushing.
4. Allow your dentist to seal the grooves on your child’s 6 year molars as needed.