Dental Health Tips By Age Group
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Dental Health Tips for Kids of Every Age
At Sawgrass Pediatric Dentistry, we believe good dental health starts early—sometimes even before your baby has teeth—and grows right alongside your child.
Every stage of childhood comes with new milestones and new questions. Whether you’re a first-time parent with a newborn, a caregiver navigating toddler years, or a grandparent supporting older kids, we’re here to help keep those precious smiles healthy.
On this page, you’ll find age-specific tips for protecting your child’s oral health—plus special things to watch for if your little one has a tongue or lip tie.
Because no matter your child’s age, you don’t have to navigate dental health alone—the Sawgrass Pediatric Dentistry team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Tiny Mouths, Big Foundations (0-12 Months)
Even before teeth come in, your baby’s mouth health matters!
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Gently wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds.
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Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
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Encourage tummy time to support oral muscle development.
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Keep an eye out for tongue- or lip-tie concerns if nursing feels painful or your baby struggles to latch.
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Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by age one—or sooner if you have any concerns.
Caring for your baby’s mouth now builds comfort, confidence, and a strong start for their smile.
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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Encourage water between meals instead of juice or sugary drinks.
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Limit sticky snacks that cling to little teeth.
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Keep an eye on thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age 3, as it can affect tooth and jaw alignment.
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Watch for speech delays or feeding struggles, which may sometimes 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 two minutes.
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Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
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Begin flossing once daily if teeth touch.
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Keep regular dental checkups every 6 months.
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Share any speech concerns with our dental team—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 and activities.
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Limit sticky snacks and sugary drinks.
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Keep up with regular dental visits to catch cavities early.
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Share any speech or orthodontic concerns with our dental team—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.
