4 Crucial Oral Health Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Good oral health for babies and toddlers is essential. It helps prevent oral health problems even before they begin. Healthy teeth imply lesser dental appointments for your young one, saving money and time. Maintaining proper oral hygiene for your baby or toddler teaches them good oral health practices, which become a part of their daily life.

A healthy smile means your child can speak and eat better as they grow. It also boosts their self-confidence. Good oral hygiene practices are vital for healthy teeth development and a beautiful smile. Here are four crucial oral health tips for babies and toddlers.

1. Learn how to care for toddler teeth and gums

Baby teeth usually start appearing between six and twelve months. Toddler teeth should be cleaned twice daily, before bedtime and in the morning. Learning How to Brush Toddler Teeth teaches you how to do it the right way to ensure long-lasting oral health. Use tiny, soft toothbrushes meant for your young one's age.

Unless otherwise advised by your child's dentist, use only water when brushing your child's teeth until they're about 18 months old. From 18 months onwards to a time recommended by a child dentist, use low-fluoride toothpaste in small quantities. When your baby is around three to four years old, allow them to start brushing themselves under your supervision.

2. Visit a pediatric dentist

Establishing healthy oral hygiene schedules from when your child is young is essential to ensuring a healthy smile later in life. Excellent practices that result in healthy teeth stem from good childhood habits. As such, working with an expert pediatric dentist who can deal with your baby's unique dental requirements is important. They can help you understand common childhood oral health concerns and habits while helping you learn about dental development and changes in children.

When selecting a pediatric dentist, ensure they have the expertise to offer quality dental services. Their office should be child-friendly and have special equipment and tools for kids. A good pediatric dentist patient, friendly, and has experience dealing with kids.

3. Focus on tooth-friendly feeding

Tooth-friendly feeding is vital for your baby's oral health. Don't settle your baby to sleep using a bottle regardless of whether it contains formula or milk because it'll pool around their teeth and lead to tooth decay. You can sing them a lullaby or give them a teddy for bedtime comfort. Don't put sweet foods, flavoring, or honey on dummies to prevent tooth decay. Once your baby reaches six months, introduce a cup and stop bottle use as from one year.

Ensure your toddler or older baby feeds on healthy meals low in sugar. Tooth-friendly food doesn't contain honey or added sugars. Your toddler's drinks should also be tooth friendly. Full-cream milk is vital for their diet because it contains calcium, protein, and more nutrients suitable for their growth, including teeth development. Avoid sweet drinks and fruit juice to prevent tooth decay in kids under one year.

4. Breastfeed exclusively

Exclusive breastfeeding prevents dental caries. Unlike bottled milk, breastfeeding doesn't let milk pool around your child's teeth. Breast milk antibodies hinder bacterial growth responsible for tooth decay. Breastfeeding also promotes proper oral-facial development.

Endnote

Good toddler and baby oral hygiene is vital for healthy teeth development and a beautiful smile. Adhering to these crucial oral health tips can help ensure excellent oral health for your young one.