Each stage of childhood requires specific care to address the different physiological changes the oral cavity undergoes, ensuring its proper development.

The oral cavity undergoes significant changes during the first 12 years of life.
Good oral hygiene should start earlier than most people think. In fact, instilling good oral hygiene habits in children will help them keep their teeth for life. For this reason, it is important to start this practice in newborns, even before the first teeth appear. This ensures the baby’s mouth stays clean and helps them develop the habit, preventing early cavities.
Brushing should be done at least twice a day:
The brush should be age-appropriate, with a head designed to fit the child’s mouth and a handle that suits the person performing the cleaning. It should also feature soft, end-rounded filaments. From 0 to 2 years of age, it is recommended to use soothing gels or ointments to ease gum discomfort during the eruption of the first teeth. From age 2, brushing should be done with an age-appropriate, fluoride-based dental gel. Dental floss or tape is essential for effective oral hygiene to remove bacterial plaque from the interproximal spaces, which helps prevent the risk of interproximal caries.

As in adults, excess bacterial plaque in the oral cavity can lead to conditions like cavities and gingivitis.
According to a 2004 WHO report, dental caries affects between 60% and 90% of school-age children.
Cavities in children can result in immediate issues, such as malocclusions, as well as long-term effects, like infections, aesthetic concerns and difficulty eating. These also come with emotional, medical and financial repercussions (treatment costs). Therefore, establishing good oral hygiene habits early is crucial, helping to reduce the incidence of interproximal caries in adolescents.
Gingivitis in children is mostly common during puberty, due to hormonal changes. It can be prevented by effectively removing bacterial plaque through proper brushing, maintaining interproximal hygiene and addressing any dental malocclusions.

Tips to maintain good oral health:
1. Visit the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears and then at least once a year to prevent or address any oral issues.
2. Limit exposure to sugary foods, especially those with a soft and sticky texture.
3. Aim for 5 meals a day and avoid snacking between them.
4. Prevent contamination through saliva transmission from parents to children by avoiding simple actions like cleaning a pacifier with your mouth or blowing on their food to cool it.