Your Child's First Teeth: Tips from Our Family Dentist

Most parents know they should care for their child's teeth — but a surprising number aren't sure when to start, what products to use, or when to bring their child in for that very first dental visit. The good news: baby teeth are simpler to care for than you might think, and starting early sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

At Goodday Dental Care, Dr. Elies Kim and our teams at both our Orange and Anaheim offices work with families every day. Here's everything you need to know about your child's first teeth.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Baby teeth — also called primary or deciduous teeth — usually begin arriving between 6 and 10 months of age, though some children don't see their first tooth until 12–14 months. Both are perfectly normal. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by age three.

Typical eruption order:

• Lower front teeth (central incisors): 6–10 months
• Upper front teeth: 8–12 months
• First molars: 13–19 months
• Canines: 16–22 months
• Second molars: 23–31 months

Every child develops on their own schedule. If you're concerned about delayed eruption or gaps in development, our team at either our Orange or Anaheim office is happy to take a look.

Why Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think

Baby teeth are placeholders. They hold space for the adult teeth developing beneath the gumline, help your child chew and speak clearly, and guide proper jaw development. Losing a baby tooth too early — due to decay or injury — can allow neighboring teeth to drift and crowd the space where a permanent tooth will eventually emerge.

Early childhood cavities (sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay) can progress quickly because enamel on primary teeth is thinner than on adult teeth. A small cavity that goes unnoticed can become a painful infection within weeks. This is why routine care and early checkups matter so much.

When to Start Brushing — and How

Start before the first tooth arrives. Wipe your baby's gums gently with a damp washcloth or soft finger brush after each feeding. Once that first tooth erupts, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush.

Use a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth through age three. From ages 3 to 6, increase to a pea-sized amount. Children under 6 should have a parent help — little ones simply don't have the fine motor control to clean all tooth surfaces effectively on their own.

A Daily Routine That Actually Works

1. Brush twice daily — morning and before bed
2. Two full minutes each time (a timer or a two-minute song helps)
3. Cover all surfaces: front, back, and chewing surfaces
4. Don't rinse with water right after brushing — letting fluoride linger increases protection

When to Start Flossing

As soon as two teeth are touching — usually around age 2 to 3 — start flossing between them. Cavities between teeth are one of the most common problems we see in toddlers, because food and bacteria collect in those tight spaces. Floss picks made for kids make it much easier to reach back teeth.

Diet: The Hidden Factor in Baby Teeth Health

What your child eats and drinks plays an enormous role in their dental health — sometimes more than brushing alone.

Habits to limit:

• Sugary juice, even 100% fruit juice, offered throughout the day
• Foods that stick to teeth: dried fruit, gummy vitamins, crackers
• Sippy cups with milk or juice used as comfort items at nap or bedtime

Protective habits:

• Fluoridated tap water as the primary drink — one of the most effective cavity-prevention tools available
• Cheese and yogurt — calcium-rich and naturally buffering for tooth enamel
• Fresh fruits and vegetables that stimulate healthy saliva flow

When to Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Many families wait until age 3 or 4, which means early problems can go undetected.

At Goodday Dental Care, we make first visits genuinely relaxed and low-key. Dr. Elies Kim sees children at both our Orange and Anaheim locations and believes early visits build positive associations that last a lifetime.

Early checkups let us:

• Assess bite and jaw development
• Apply fluoride varnish — a safe, quick coating that significantly reduces cavity risk
• Professionally clean teeth and remove early tartar buildup
• Catch problems — early-stage cavities, misalignment — before they require complex treatment
• Coach you on home care and answer your questions

Signs Something May Be Wrong

Call your family dentist if you notice:

• White spots or dark patches on your child's teeth (early signs of cavities)
• Your child complaining of tooth pain or refusing to eat on one side
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• A tooth that looks noticeably darker than the others
• No first tooth appearing by 14–15 months

Ready for Your Child's First Visit?

Starting dental care early isn't about perfection — it's about building habits and catching small issues before they become bigger ones. Our team is ready to partner with your family for the long haul.

Dr. Elies Kim welcomes new pediatric patients at both locations:

• Orange office: 1518 E Lincoln Ave, Orange, CA · (657) 282-0078
• Anaheim office: 2795 W Lincoln Ave Ste D, Anaheim, CA · (714) 229-8553

We serve families across Orange County — Orange, Anaheim, Villa Park, Buena Park, Fullerton, and beyond. As your family dentist in Orange County, we'd love to welcome your little one to Goodday Dental Care.