Basic Tooth Care
Starting the Child-Dentist Love Fest
Summary
- Good dental habits starts with tooth #1
- Don’t forget the fluoride
- Always a soft toothbrush
- Establish a dental home
Doesn’t it seem just a bit over the top to brush that first little crooked tooth that finally came through? It’s not, because good dental habits begin with that first tooth. Showing your baby that dental care is important helps her establish healthy life-long routines. This is important because when those baby teeth stay healthy, they benefit the positioning and health of future permanent teeth.
- We start with little teeth. Even the tiniest teeth set the stage for a big performance. Those little choppers are creating space for permanent teeth that will appear in a few years. They help form baby’s mouth correctly, promote chewing and good nutrition, encourage normal speech development, and support self-confidence.
- The cavity in waiting. Sugar and acids weaken tooth enamel, the hard white coating of our teeth. The damaged enamel collapses into a cavity that can grow into a problem. When they form on the sides or back of teeth, you may never see them. Keeping baby’s sugar consumption low (by avoiding fruit juice and giving healthy snacks instead of sweet ones) helps her mouth pH stay neutral and protects tooth enamel. Good nutrition means less sugar and more vitamins, minerals, and protein—all of which promote balanced mouth flora that keeps cavities at bay and builds a strong body.
- Soft as a baby’s toothbrush. Cleaning tiny teeth is a unique experience for you and your baby. Disposable finger brushes, damp gauze pads, or a washcloth combined with fluoride toothpaste all help you clean with your finger, the surest way to reach every tiny surface. Alternately, consider using an infant toothbrush. They are very soft and only have three rows of bristles. These little toothbrushes help your baby get used to the sensation (plus they come in pretty colors and cool characters!).
- No need for battles. Toddlers want to do-it-myself and with a soft toothbrush just their size, they can. But until they have good motor skills you have to make sure all teeth are treated equally. To instill good habits, create a routine of brushing morning and night or after every meal. After they give it a try, make life easier on yourself by standing behind them and reaching around to properly position the toothbrush. Children are going to swallow, not spit, their toothpaste. Should you worry? Not at all. Only a rice-grain sized portion of toothpaste is necessary. This will not harm your child. While brushing, take time to talk about teeth and mouths and all the great things they do!
- There is no place like a dental home. Introducing your child to the dentist early helps form a friendly bond and prevent the “dentist dread” so many kids have. Most pediatricians can recommend a pediatric dentist who truly likes little humans and has a good manner with them. Schedule the first routine dental visit when the first tooth appears. For children with issues that may affect their oral health (medications that affect teeth or gums or structural issues) make that first visit earlier—when they’re six months to a year old.
Oral health is critical to full-body health. Disease related to dentition is the number one disease in children. Best to lead with good habits before issues arise.
