AAPD Foundation

Search our list of grant recipients that can provide families with dental support, use the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Find a Pediatric Dentist search, or ask your pediatrician or local parent groups for recommendations. 

While kids can get helpful dental care from a pediatric or a family dentist, we recommend seeing a pediatric dentist when one is available. Pediatric dentists have extra specialty training for treating children’s teeth, and their offices are kid-friendly! They have experience caring for infants and children through adolescence, including kids with special needs. However, if no pediatric dentists are available to your family, you should see a general or family dentist to ensure your child gets the oral care they need.*

Talk about it. Give children plenty of notice that they have an appointment coming up so you can answer any questions they have. You can read books or watch videos to give them an idea of what to expect, too! And remember to talk about the importance of healthy teeth. Keep in mind—kids who start visiting the dentist at a young age have less fear about it as they get older.*

In general, every six months, but your pediatric dentist could recommend something different based on your child’s specific needs.* 

Take your children to the dentist regularly and start early—before their first birthday. Your dentist will tell you what to do from there, including brushing, flossing, and making sure your child is getting enough fluoride.*

Yes, fluoride is not just safe, but beneficial to children’s teeth when used as directed. In fact, children living in communities with fluoride in the tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water doesn’t have fluoride. You can check to see if your tap water has fluoride online or ask your pediatric dentist, who can recommend a fluoride product if needed.*

Surprisingly, yes! Research has shown the bacteria that causes cavities is contagious, especially to young children and babies. To prevent this, don’t clean off a pacifier or bottle nipple with your own mouth and don’t share cups, eating utensils, or food.*

Use any soft, small-bristled toothbrush twice a day. Once a child reaches age 9-10 and has most of their permanent teeth, they may use an adult soft-bristled toothbrush.*

It’s best to let a loose tooth fall out on its own. This will keep pain and bleeding to a minimum. If you’re ever concerned about your child’s loose tooth, contact your pediatric dentist for help.*