Dental Health Tips By Age Group
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Dental Health Tips for Kids of Every Age
At Sawgrass Untied, we believe good dental health starts before your baby even has teeth—and grows right alongside your child.
As a mom and pediatric dentist, Dr. Ryan knows every stage comes with new milestones and questions. Whether you’re a first-time parent with a newborn or a grandparent helping care for older kids, we’re here to help you keep those precious smiles healthy.
Here are Dr. Ryan’s top dental health tips by age group—including special things to watch for if your child has a tongue or lip tie.
Tiny Mouths, Big Foundations (0-12 Months)
Even before teeth come in, your baby’s mouth health matters!
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Wipe gums gently with a soft, damp cloth after feeds.
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Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
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Start tummy time early to help oral muscle development.
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Watch for tongue or lip tie signs if nursing is painful or baby struggles to latch.
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Schedule baby’s first dental visit by age one—or sooner if you have concerns.
Early care sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Exploring the World—and Their Teeth! (1-3 Years)
Toddlers are on the move—and so are those new teeth!
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Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
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Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
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Encourage drinking water instead of juice between meals.
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Watch for thumb-sucking or pacifier habits beyond age 3—they can affect tooth alignment.
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Keep an eye out for speech delays or feeding issues that might signal a tongue or lip tie.
We’re here to make dental visits fun and stress-free—even for wiggly toddlers!
Building Good Habits Early (3-5 Years)
Preschoolers love to do things themselves—but still need help brushing!
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Brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
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Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
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Help kids floss once daily if teeth touch.
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Schedule regular dental checkups every 6 months.
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Talk to Dr. Ryan about any speech concerns—it could relate to tongue or lip ties.
Preschool years are the perfect time to build healthy routines.
Growing Smiles, Growing Independence (6-12 Years)
Kids in this age group start taking more responsibility for their own care:
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Brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
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Floss daily, especially as permanent teeth come in.
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Wear a mouthguard for sports.
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Limit sticky snacks and sugary drinks.
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Keep regular dental visits to catch cavities early.
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Discuss speech or orthodontic concerns with Dr. Ryan—sometimes tongue ties can still play a role.
Healthy Smiles for Busy Teens (13+ Years)
Teenagers juggle school, sports, and social lives—but dental health is still crucial:
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Brush twice a day—and don’t forget flossing!
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Keep up dental checkups, even with busy schedules.
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Avoid sugary sports drinks and energy drinks.
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Discuss any jaw pain, bite issues, or speech concerns with Dr. Ryan.
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Remember that tongue ties can sometimes contribute to persistent speech or spacing issues even in teens.
Healthy teeth give teens confidence in every smile.
Healthy Habits for a Lifetime (For Every Age)
No matter your child’s age:
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Choose water over sugary drinks.
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Encourage healthy snacks like fruits and veggies.
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Make dental visits a positive, stress-free experience.
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Ask Dr. Ryan about fluoride to help protect teeth.
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Watch for signs of tongue or lip ties that could affect feeding, speech, or oral health.
We’re here to help every step of the way.
Trusted Care Close to Home
Until Sawgrass Untied, many families had to travel hours away for specialized care. Now, you have:
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Dr. Ryan—an experienced pediatric dentist who understands kids and families.
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Gentle laser treatment for tongue and lip ties, right here in Carolina Forest.
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A team who treats every child like family.
Healthy smiles shouldn’t require a road trip. Let’s keep your child’s smile shining right here at home.
