6 Tips for your Toddler’s Dental Care

 

Dental health should begin from an early age. Most dental problems are preventable and specific care should be taken if you want your children to grow up with healthy teeth and save you huge medical bills.

To ensure your toddler is growing up with the best oral care, do the following:

1. Clean your baby’s gum

Gums get dirty as the mouth has bacteria. You should clean your baby’s gums with a soft moist cloth. Wrap the cloth around your finger and wipe gently.

It’s important to sterilize the cloth in hot water (cool it sufficiently to prevent scalding) to avoid introducing germs that will cause tummy aches.

2. Provide good care during teething

Teeth can cause pain when growing and make your baby very fussy. Do any one of the following when your baby’s teeth start to grow:

• Give your baby cold foods or items to chew on.

Cold numbs the pain and provides relief to the soreness. You can use a pacifier, a soft clean cloth, a vegetable such as a carrot.

• Painkillers, but they have to be prescribed by the pediatrician.


• Applying pressure with a clean finger or a teether. Do this if your baby is uncomfortable with cold items.


• Use a numbing gel that has been prescribed by a doctor.

3. Brush Your Baby’s teeth

Your baby will most likely start growing teeth at 6 months.

• Use a toothbrush with a small head and very soft bristles. You can soak the brush in hot water before every brush to soften the bristles more.


• Use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste; the size of a rice particle.


• Gently clean the outside and inside of the teeth and the tongue.


• Brush 2 times a day.


• Replace the toothbrush when it starts to wear out (mostly after 3 months or sooner).


• You don’t need to floss until more teeth have grown and food starts to get stuck between them.

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4. Use Fluoride for stronger teeth

Fluoride is important to keep tooth enamel strong thus prevent decay.

Your pediatrician (or dentist) can prescribe dental varnish that you can apply on your baby’s teeth. You can also get fluoride from toothpaste (use a brand recommended for children under the age of 3).

Remember, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. Find out how much fluoride is good for your child as he advances in age and do not exceed that amount.

Do not get fluoride supplement unless it’s been prescribed for your baby.

5. Take your toddler to the dentist every 6 months

You can schedule your first dentist’s visit when your baby turns one. However, if most of his or her teeth have grown before that time, it’s okay to visit a dentist.

If regular fluoride varnish application has been taking place during visits to the pediatrician, mention this to the dentist.

6. Avoid foods that cause tooth decay

Sweets and sweet foods such as cake, bread jams and jellies and dried fruit can cause cavities. Foods rich in starch can also cause cavities.

Brush your baby’s teeth at bedtime. Do not give him or her food or drinks during bedtime hours as bacteria will breed overnight.

 

Your baby’s future smile is dependent on how vigilant you are. Do not skimp on any of these tips.

 

About the Author

Daniel Kush is an accomplished medical professional with extensive experience in the field of dentistry. He has for the last 10 years contributed to shaping individuals’ lives by changing their smiles. When he is not busy at his practice, he writes about his experiences and useful dental tips.