Oral Care for Toddlers

Toddlers’ toothy grins are considered one of their most adorable features, and you can keep them looking sweet by establishing healthy dental habits early in life. The first teeth usually erupt just in time to help them give solid foods a try. These teeth have big jobs to do. They help your toddler learn how to eat and speak, so keeping them healthy is important. Just as you brush and floss your teeth to keep them healthy, you also need to brush and floss your toddler’s teeth. Use a soft brush and toddler toothpaste to clean your toddler’s teeth each time he eats. Your toddler might want to help, but until he develops good manual dexterity and close attention to detail, you will need to give him a hand each time he brushes.

Your toddler might also have some habits that could harm her dental health. Thumb- and finger-sucking are normal, self-calming behaviors. In fact, babies suck their thumbs and fingers instinctively in utero, and continue after birth as part of the nursing reflex. Until about 2 to 4 years old, this habit is fairly harmless, but if it continues into early childhood, it can cause abnormal jaw growth. Your child might stop the habit on her own, but if she needs a little help, we offer behavioral guidance that can help her kick this potentially damaging habit.

All children need to have their first dental visit by the time they have their first tooth or their first birthday. This helps get them off on the right track towards good dental health. Call our pediatric dentistry office today to schedule your child’s next checkup.