Resources for Parents
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Raising children is no easy task, especially when it comes to their physical development. Their dental development is no exception, and many parents tend to feel lost and helpless without knowing which steps to take or which platforms to turn to for additional information, so that they can best assist their kids.

While our Tooth Fairies Unite Community is a safe space for parents to communicate and ask questions, the links below are from reputable dental sites that can provide answers to frequently asked questions, that can help you in the moment. The TFU Community is for parents like you, and in this space you are free to ask anything that comes to mind. You will be able to feel at home with other parents helping their kids to traverse through the major dental development stages, and you will be free to share any insights as well. 

TFU community

Informative resources and practical tips to help parents care for their children's dental health, from infancy through adolescence
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Head Start
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Visiting the dentist by age one
- includes free PDF

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My Children's Teeth

A great site that covers dental matters across ages.

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Better Health 

Covering facts about children's dental development.

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Kids Health

Information about kids dental development, with audio option.

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Download the Tooth Tracker

Just as you would work with a daily planner, as a way to remember what needs to be done and ensure you've completed those tasks, we've created a planner for you to download for free and fasten either in your child's bedroom or in their bathroom.

You can print a few copies of this planner, and use them one after the other. In the planner, tick the 'morning' and 'evening' boxes once you've brushed and flossed, then add a short note explaining the experience. This will allow you to keep track of your child's progression. You can also offer a small reward, once they're old enough to brush themselves, at the end of each week, for having ticked all the boxes with aplomb.

This planner can also help you to determine if any discomforts are lasting longer than they should. For example, if you brushed their front teeth and there was sign of discomfort, if the same signs still persist by Wednesday, you should know it is time for a check-up!

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Tooth Care By Age

 
🍼 Early Childhood (Infancy to Age 3)

• Gum Care Before Teeth Erupt: Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, clean their gums after each feeding using a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque and food particles.
• First Tooth Brushing: Once the first tooth emerges, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Fluoride toothpaste isn't necessary until your child can spit it out reliably.
• Fluoride Use: For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.

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 🧒 Preschool to Early Elementary (Ages 3–6)

• Brushing Routine: Brush your child’s teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing to ensure thoroughness. 
• Flossing: Begin flossing once your child’s teeth start to touch. Use floss picks or regular floss to clean between teeth. 
• Dietary Habits: Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Encourage water and healthy foods to reduce the risk of cavities.

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 👦 School-Aged Children (Ages 6–12)

• Independent Brushing: Children can start brushing on their own around age 7, but continue to supervise until about age 10 to ensure proper technique. 
  
• Mouthguards: If your child participates in sports, use mouthguards to protect their teeth from injury.
  
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule dental check-ups every six months for professional cleaning and early detection of any issues.
  

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 🧑 Teenagers (Ages 12+)

• Continued Oral Hygiene: Encourage your teen to brush twice daily and floss once a day. Discuss the importance of oral health in overall well-being. 
  
• Diet and Habits: Monitor their diet, especially sugary snacks and drinks, and discourage habits like smoking or excessive soda consumption. 
  
• Orthodontic Care: If your teen has braces or other dental appliances, ensure they follow the orthodontist's care instructions to prevent complications.