Healthy teeth start early — much earlier than most parents realize. The dental habits and experiences your child has before age 10 shape their oral health for life. This guide covers everything Toronto parents need to know, from your baby’s first tooth to your teen’s orthodontic consultation.

Before the First Tooth: Newborn to 6 Months

Even before teeth appear, oral hygiene matters. After each feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. This removes milk residue and gets your baby comfortable with the sensation of having their mouth cleaned — which makes the transition to toothbrushing much easier.

Baby’s First Tooth: Around 6 Months

• Start brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush twice daily — especially before bed.
• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. This causes “baby bottle tooth decay,” one of the most common and preventable childhood dental problems.

When to Book Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first.

The first visit isn’t really about cleaning or drilling — it’s about getting your child comfortable with the dental environment, checking that teeth are erupting normally, guiding parents on brushing technique and diet, and catching any early signs of decay. Children who start dental visits early have significantly less dental anxiety as adults.

Ages 2–4: Building Habits

• By age 2, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your child’s teeth for them until they have the dexterity to do it themselves — usually around age 6–7.
• Limit juice and sugary drinks. Water is always best between meals.
• Start flossing when two teeth touch — often around age 2–3 for back teeth.
• Continue dental check-ups every 6 months.

Ages 5–7: Losing Baby Teeth

Most children start losing their baby teeth around age 5–6. Here’s what parents should know:

• Baby teeth matter — they hold space for permanent teeth. Losing one too early can cause permanent teeth to shift out of position.
• The first permanent molars appear around age 6 — these often come in behind the existing baby teeth. These teeth need to last a lifetime, so consider dental sealants as soon as they erupt.
• Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth that dramatically reduces cavity risk. They’re quick, painless, and very effective.

Ages 8–12: The Mixed Dentition Phase

• Orthodontic evaluation begins — most orthodontists recommend an assessment by age 7, even if treatment won’t start until later.
• Sports mouthguards become important if your child plays contact sports. A custom-fitted guard from your dentist offers far better protection than store-bought options.
• Kids start taking over more of their own brushing — supervise until you’re confident they’re doing a thorough job.

The Teen Years: New Challenges

Orthodontics

Many teens begin orthodontic treatment between 11 and 15, when most permanent teeth are in. Braces and clear aligners both work well at this age.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth typically begin developing between ages 15–25. Regular X-rays help us monitor their development — earlier removal is generally easier and heals faster.

Diet and Drinks

Teens often consume more sports drinks, energy drinks, and sodas — all highly acidic and damaging to enamel. Encourage water as the default drink and remind your teen to rinse after acidic drinks rather than brushing immediately.

Cavity Prevention: The Essentials

• Fluoride toothpaste — used correctly from the first tooth
• Flossing — daily, as soon as two teeth touch
• Limiting sugar and acid — especially between meals and before bed
• Regular check-ups — every 6 months
• Dental sealants — on permanent molars as soon as they erupt

Making Dental Visits Positive

• Avoid using words like “hurt,” “needle,” or “drill” — let the dental team introduce their own kid-friendly vocabulary.
• Read books or watch shows about dental visits before you go.
• Praise the visit after, regardless of how it went — focus on the brave thing they did.
• Start early and go regularly — familiarity reduces fear.

Book Your Child’s Dental Appointment in Toronto

Diamond Dental Clinics welcomes patients of all ages across our four Toronto locations. Whether it’s your baby’s first visit or your teen’s wisdom teeth consultation, our team makes every patient feel comfortable and heard.

Book an appointment today and give your child the gift of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.