Reviewed by our dental health editorial team | Last Updated: March 2026 Nearly 1 in 3 children in New York State is enrolled in Medicaid or Child Health Plus, and most of their parents don’t realize that comprehensive dental care is included at zero out-of-pocket cost. If your child has Medicaid in New York, they … Read more
⚠️ Emergency Alert If your child has a knocked-out PERMANENT tooth, time is critical. Find the tooth, hold it by the crown (white part) only, rinse gently if dirty, and either replant it in the socket or store it in milk. Get to a dentist or emergency room within 30 minutes if possible. Every minute … Read more
Quick Answer What children eat and drink directly impacts their dental health—often more than brushing habits alone. The best foods for teeth are those high in calcium (dairy, leafy greens), phosphorus (meat, eggs, nuts), and fiber (crunchy fruits and vegetables). The worst are sticky sweets, frequent sugary drinks, and acidic beverages that erode enamel. The … Read more
Quick Answer Several dental conditions can affect children’s oral health beyond cavities and gum disease—including tongue tie, teeth grinding (bruxism), fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia, and mouth breathing effects. Many of these conditions are more common than parents realize and may impact feeding, speech, sleep, or tooth development. Early identification allows for timely intervention when needed, though … Read more
Quick Answer Start cleaning your baby’s mouth from birth by wiping gums with a soft cloth, then switch to brushing with fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth appears. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3-6. Parents should brush or supervise brushing until at least age … Read more
Quick Answer Cavities (tooth decay) are caused when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel. They’re the most common chronic childhood disease—affecting 23% of children ages 2-5—but they’re almost entirely preventable with proper brushing, fluoride, limited sugar, and regular dental visits. Yes, cavities in baby teeth usually need treatment to prevent pain, … Read more
Quick Answer Babies typically get their first tooth around 6 months of age, with all 20 primary (baby) teeth usually appearing by age 3. Children begin losing baby teeth around age 6, with the last baby teeth falling out between ages 10-12. While there’s a general order to tooth eruption and loss, every child’s timeline … Read more
Quick Answer Children should have their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing—whichever comes first. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends this timeline to establish a “dental home,” catch problems early, and help children develop positive associations with dental care before any treatment becomes necessary. … Read more