Parent Resources: Kids’ Dental Care Tips & Guides
Simple, practical answers on brushing, teething, snacks, habits, and when to call, from our Beaverton pediatric dental team.
Think of this page as a friendly hub. Skim what fits your child’s stage, follow the links for depth, and browse the Bien Dental blog for more parent-friendly reading. When you have a question, we are glad to hear it at (503) 822-0096.
Brushing and flossing by age
| Age | Brushing | Flossing and extras |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn to first tooth | Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds and before bed. | Nothing else needed yet. Schedule a first visit by the first birthday. |
| First tooth to age 3 | Brush twice daily with a soft brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about a grain of rice. | Parent does all the brushing. Floss once two teeth touch. |
| Ages 3 to 6 | Pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Kids can try first, then a parent finishes. | Floss or use floss picks nightly. Ask about sealants as molars arrive. |
| Ages 6 to 12 | Two minutes, twice daily. Supervise until brushing is thorough. | Daily flossing. Mouthguard for sports. |
| Teens | Twice daily, with extra care around braces if they have them. | Daily flossing and limiting energy and sports drinks. |
For babies, our infant oral health page goes into more detail. Your child’s dentist may adjust these ideas to match their cavity risk.
Teething without the stress
Most babies start teething around the middle of the first year, though it varies. Sore, swollen gums, drooling, and fussiness are typical. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean finger rubbed gently on the gums can help. Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine, and skip amber necklaces and other choking hazards. A fever or severe illness is not usually just teething, so check with your pediatrician if it comes up.
Once the first tooth arrives, start brushing and book that first visit. Here is what to expect at your child’s first dental visit.
Snack tips that protect teeth
Do this
- Offer water between meals, and let it be the go-to drink.
- Pair sweet foods with meals rather than grazing all day.
- Choose cheese, crunchy vegetables, yogurt, and fruit for snacks.
- Finish a meal with water to rinse away food.
Go easy on
- Juice, soda, sports drinks, and sweet milk sipped over a long time.
- Sticky candy, fruit snacks, and dried fruit that cling to grooves.
- Bottles or sippy cups in bed, other than water.
- Frequent snacking, which keeps teeth bathed in sugar.
Pacifiers and thumb-sucking
Sucking soothes babies, and it is a normal habit early on. Pacifiers are easier to phase out than thumbs, and most children give them up naturally. If the habit continues as permanent front teeth begin to appear, it can start to shape the bite. Praise progress, offer other comfort, and avoid shaming. We can help you plan a gentle approach. See thumb-sucking and pacifier habits.
Cavity prevention checklist
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste in the right amount for age.
- Clean between teeth that touch, once a day.
- Keep sugary drinks to mealtimes, or skip them.
- Ask about fluoride varnish at checkups.
- Ask whether sealants make sense for your child’s molars.
- Attend regular cleanings and checkups.
- Use a mouthguard for sports, and see mouthguards and sports dentistry.
- Ask us whether your home water supply changes your fluoride plan. Many Oregon communities do not fluoridate municipal water.
When to call us
Reach out promptly if you notice any of the following.
Call the same day
- Facial swelling or a bump on the gums
- Tooth pain that keeps your child up at night
- A knocked-out permanent tooth or a broken tooth
- Bleeding that does not stop
Book a visit soon
- White, brown, or dark spots on teeth
- Bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- A tooth that looks different from its neighbors
- Concerns about a bite, teeth crowding, or mouth breathing
For life-threatening symptoms such as trouble breathing, call 911. For anything else urgent, phone us at (503) 822-0096 or read about children’s dental emergencies.
Trusted places to keep reading
For neutral, evidence-based information, we like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (aapd.org) and the American Dental Association’s consumer site (mouthhealthy.org). Both explain how the guidelines we follow were developed.
Have a question about your own child? Browse our FAQ, or request an appointment and we will talk it through together.
Coverage questions parents ask
Wondering how to use your family’s dental benefits? Bien Dental accepts almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and our insurance and payment options page explains what to bring and how we check coverage. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
How much toothpaste should my child use?
Use a smear, about the size of a grain of rice, for children under three, and a pea-sized amount from age three. Use fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and help your child spit rather than rinse so fluoride lingers on teeth.
When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
Begin as soon as two teeth touch each other, since a brush cannot reach between them. Floss picks are fine for small hands, and you will likely need to help until your child has the dexterity to do a thorough job.
Which snacks are best for healthy teeth?
Cheese, plain yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, and water are great choices. Limit sticky snacks and sweet drinks, and try to keep treats with meals instead of spread across the day.
When should my child stop using a pacifier?
Many children stop between ages two and four. If it continues as permanent front teeth start to erupt, talk to Dr. Hsu. A gentle, positive plan works better than pressure.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).