Family Dental Care at Every Age

Teeth need different things at different ages. A toddler's first checkup, a teenager's wisdom teeth and a grandparent's dry mouth are all part of family dentistry. Here's what matters most at each stage, and the habits that help everyone.

Babies and Toddlers

• First dental visit by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth
• Brush as soon as teeth appear, with a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste until age three
• Don't put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, which bathes the teeth in sugar overnight

Our guide to your child's first dental visit explains how to prepare.

Children

• Checkups and cleanings, usually every six months
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
• Sealants — thin protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where many children's cavities start
• A custom mouthguard for contact sports

See children's dental care and fluoride and sealants.

Teens

• Wisdom teeth start to show on X-rays, and we watch whether they have room — see tooth extraction and oral surgery
• Crowded or crooked teeth can be straightened with Invisalign® clear aligners
• Sports drinks, energy drinks and frequent snacking raise the risk of cavities
• Smoking and vaping affect gum health

Adults

• Gum health becomes a bigger concern — see gum disease
• Old fillings wear and may need replacing
• Grinding or clenching, often from stress, can wear teeth and strain the jaw; a night guard helps
• Cosmetic options such as whitening, bonding and veneers, if you want them

Older Adults

• Many medicines cause dry mouth, which makes decay more likely
• Receding gums expose roots, which decay more easily than enamel
• Dentures and implants need regular checks for fit and wear
• Screening for signs of oral cancer is part of every exam

See replacing missing teeth if tooth loss is a concern.

Problems That Affect Any Age

• Cavities — often painless until they're large, which is why checkups matter
• Sensitivity — worth getting checked, because it can signal decay, a crack or receding gums
• Dental injuries — a chipped, loose or knocked-out tooth needs attention quickly; see emergency dental care
• Anxiety about the dentist — common at every age; see overcoming dental anxiety

Habits for the Whole Household

• Brush for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and help young children until they can do it well
• Clean between the teeth once a day
• Keep sweets and sugary drinks to mealtimes rather than grazing
• Make water the everyday drink
• Replace toothbrushes every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay
• Book everyone's checkups — it's easier to keep up when it's routine

Common Questions

Can the whole family see the same dentist?

Yes. We see children, teens, adults and older adults, so everyone's history is in one place. Ask about booking family members around the same time.

When should my child first see a dentist?

By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming through, whichever comes first.

Do older adults need different dental care?

The basics are the same, but some things become more likely: dry mouth from medicines, decay on roots exposed by receding gums, and dentures or implants that need checking. Regular checkups let us keep an eye on all of them.

What should we do if a tooth is knocked out?

For an adult tooth, pick it up by the top, not the root, rinse it briefly if it's dirty, and keep it moist in milk. Call us straight away. A baby tooth should not be put back in.

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