Healthy baby teeth are crucial for chewing, speech, and making space for permanent teeth, so proper care is extremely important for correct development. One of the most common questions parents ask is how to start oral care for babies and toddlers. In this article, we give recommendations on oral health care for kids.

How to Start Oral Care for Babies and Toddlers

Oral care should start even before the first teeth appear. Below, we discuss why oral care is essential and how to make your child’s oral hygiene routine effective.

Why Oral Care for Babies and Toddlers Is Important

Early oral care is crucial for the proper development and overall health of a baby:

• Mouth infections can affect jawbone development and the health of future permanent teeth.
• Oral infections, particularly gum disease, are closely associated with heart, lungs, and joint issues.
• Chronic pain or premature tooth loss caused by oral infections can disrupt speech development, nutrition (due to difficulty eating certain foods), mood, and learning ability of your child by causing excessive and chronic stress.
• Premature baby tooth loss due to infection is likely to lead to orthodontic issues when permanent teeth erupt. Baby teeth guide proper jaw and facial development and hold space for permanent teeth.

Oral Care for Babies (0-12 Months)

We recommend following these steps to establish an effective oral care routine for babies:

• Wipe your baby’s gums once a day (best before bedtime) with a clean, damp washcloth or a soft silicone finger brush. This routine removes milk residue and helps your baby get used to oral hygiene.
• When the first teeth appear (usually around 6 months), switch to a soft, infant-sized toothbrush.
• Schedule a dental visit when the first teeth begin to erupt. Your pediatric dentist will check the health of your baby’s teeth and gums and determine if any orthodontic issues might occur and require treatment in the future. In addition, your dentist will examine your baby’s jawbone to determine whether it is developing correctly.
• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle, as milk that lingers on the teeth overnight increases the risk of tooth decay.

Oral Care for Toddlers (1–3 Years)

• Starting at age 1, it is recommended to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child does not swallow toothpaste.
• Choose a soft-bristled brush with a small head suitable for toddlers.
• As soon as the teeth are close enough to touch, start flossing gently between them once a day, preferably before bed.
• Encourage your child to learn good oral hygiene habits. You can use songs, games, and your kid’s favorite stuffed animals to make oral hygiene enjoyable. Additionally, illustrated books can help your child adopt a more positive outlook on their oral hygiene routine and dental visits.
• Allow your child to try brushing and flossing, but do the actual brushing yourself to ensure that all plaque and bacteria are removed.
• Schedule checkups, professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments with your pediatric dentist every 6 months. This way, you will ensure that your child’s teeth are free of plaque and tartar and the enamel is strong and resilient to decay.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they promote bacterial growth in the mouth and weaken enamel. Instead, teach your child to drink plenty of water between meals to keep their mouth moist and to naturally wash away bacteria.

Make an Appointment at Samaritan Dental

Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for your child with an experienced family dentist at Samaritan Dental. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our dental office.