Five stages of growing up. One coordinated team, guiding each one.
Age is just a number.Growth and development are unique to every child — and deserve care just as close.
Seashell Seekers
Infant · 0–12 months
Oral Hygiene
Before teeth come in, gently clean the gums with a soft cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth arrives, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a grain-of-rice smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Nutrition
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, and limit prolonged bottle use. This helps prevent early tooth decay.
The No-Sharing Rule
Avoid sharing spoons or pacifiers — or cleaning a pacifier with your mouth. Cavity-causing bacteria can pass from adults to babies.
CKDO Smile: preventive visits every 3–6 months
Tide Pool Toddlers
Toddler · 1–3 years
Oral Hygiene
A great time to introduce flossing, especially once teeth touch. Assist your toddler with brushing and flossing.
Nutrition
As solids and snacks arrive, cavity risk rises. Limit sugary snacks and drinks whenever possible.
Habits
Thumb sucking and pacifiers are normal at this age. Over time, lingering habits can affect how teeth and jaws develop — we keep an eye on it together.
CKDO Smile: preventive visits every 3–6 months
Sandcastle Creators
Early School Age · 4–7 years
Tooth Transitions
Baby teeth start to wiggle and the first permanent teeth arrive, including the six-year molars. Kids practice brushing themselves — with your supervision.
Sealants
Once the first permanent molars come in, sealants act like a protective shield over their deep grooves.
X-rays
When molars begin to touch, cavities can hide between teeth. X-rays let us catch them early.
CKDO Smile: preventive visits every 3–6 months
Ocean Explorers
School Age · 8–11 years
Growth & Development
A panoramic X-ray gives a complete view of your child's developing smile and jaw health.
Orthodontic Assessment
A complimentary growth-and-development visit with the orthodontist takes baseline jaw measurements — and tells us whether early (Phase I) treatment would help.
Mouthguards
If your child plays sports, a mouthguard protects growing teeth from fractures and injuries.
CKDO Smile: preventive visits every 3–6 months
Wave Riders
Pre-teens & Adolescents · 12–18 years
Twelve-Year Molars
Just like the six-year molars, sealants help protect them from cavities.
Orthodontics
Braces or clear aligners — our doctor recommends what's best for your child. Panoramic X-rays also let us monitor wisdom teeth in older teens.
Hygiene with Braces or Aligners
Plaque builds up more easily during treatment. Careful brushing, flossing, and three-month preventive visits keep the smile healthy.
CKDO Smile: preventive visits every 3–6 months
Find your child's stage in person.
Board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists at 5 San Diego locations.
