Oral Care for Infants and Toddlers

While it’s a common misconception that baby teeth don’t matter, that’s not the case! Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, keeping them healthy makes eating and talking easier, helps to shape your child’s face, and ensures that appropriate spaces are held for adult teeth. Moreover, starting good oral habits at a young age helps establish lifelong healthy dental practices.

Oral Care Basics for Young Children
For babies, oral care mainly revolves around keeping the gums clean. After each feeding, wipe the gums and tongue with a clean, damp cloth using a massaging motion. Once the first tooth breaks through, use a soft-bristled brush with no toothpaste to clean the teeth; continue to massage the gums and tongue as well. Children can begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste at age two. While children can help with the brushing, a parent should ensure the teeth are thoroughly cleaned until the child can independently do so, typically around age seven or eight.

In addition to brushing every day, it’s also essential that children drink fluorinated water or add fluoride tablets to their drinking water. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay and the formation of cavities.
 
Tips for Oral Care Success
Brushing the teeth of an infant or toddler can be challenging; we know that firsthand! If your child isn’t always cooperative during the toothbrushing process, try these tricks:

• Sing a favorite song while brushing their teeth.
• Let your child choose the toothbrush and/or toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth alongside your child.
• Use silly voices to encourage brushing.
• Play games like Red Light, Green Light, or Name That Food (that you’re brushing out).
• Use a timer or reward chart.
• Brush teeth while in the bathtub.
• Practice brushing dolls or stuffed animals’ teeth.

When to See a Dentist
Parents often wonder when their child should first see a dentist. At Vacendak, we recommend scheduling a child’s first trip around their first birthday. Children who get used to dental visits as young toddlers have an easier time than those who wait until they are three or four. Just like adults, children should have a dental appointment every six months.

We welcome children of all ages at Vacendak and look forward to teaching them about the importance of dental care. We strive to make dental appointments comfortable and easy for you and your child. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or at (757) 609-3510.