“First visit by first birthday.” Early examination and preventive care is the key to protect your child’s bright smile now and in the future. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence.

Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. They are necessary for proper chewing and eating and they keep space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position. Baby teeth also help children speak clearly and add to an attractive appearance. 

A toothbrush will remove the plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one specifically designed for infants, should be used twice daily upon eruption of the first tooth.

Toothpaste with fluoride should be introduced at 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean their baby’s teeth using a baby sized toothbrush with water or with a minute amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing. The child should use only a pea-size amount and spit out, not swallow the excess toothpaste after brushing. 

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything but water in their bedtime bottle. Learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist for regular visits, starting at 1 year old.

Your child may have sore gums with the eruption of teething from around 6 months to age 3. Many children are soothed with a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents prefer a chilled ring while others simply rub to massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger.

Orthodontic treatment may be started at any age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child is evaluated by an orthodontist at age seven. Although few problems need to be corrected at that age, an early exam allows the orthodontist to give advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age for treatment will be. 

Braces consist of brackets that are placed on teeth and the archwire that guides the teeth to their new position. They use gentle steady pressure to gradually move teeth. When the archwire is placed into the bracket, it tries to return to its original position. In doing so, it applies pressure to move the teeth to their ideal position. 

Treatment times vary according to each individual case, but the average time ranges from 1 to 3 years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and the severity of the malocclusion. It is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointment keep treatment time on schedule.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone deserves and can benefit from a beautiful and healthy smile. Around twenty percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.