Oral Care for toddlers : What you need to know:Tips and tricks.
Proper oral care starts right from childhood, with toddlers being the first port of call. Their teeth, while small, set the tone for permanent dentition in the future. This makes it...
Proper oral care starts right from childhood, with toddlers being the first port of call. Their teeth, while small, set the tone for permanent dentition in the future. This makes it incredibly important to foster great dental hygiene habits in your little ones from an early age. However, keeping those tiny teeth clean can seem like an uphill task for parents. This blog post will guide you through useful tips and tricks for toddler oral care, ensuring they grow up with a healthy and beautiful smile.
1. Start Early:
Parents must begin cleaning their toddler’s mouth before the teeth emerge. Use a soft, clean cloth or a baby toothbrush to gently clean the gums. This removes the harmful bacteria and makes the process a daily routine as your toddler grows. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better it is for their oral hygiene in the future.
2. Use the Right Toothbrush:
It's advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for toddlers. Their small mouths and developing teeth need gentle care. Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles look worn out.
3. Toothpaste 101:
Start by using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) as soon as your child's teeth start coming in. Once your toddler reaches three years old, increase the toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Ensure the toothpaste contains fluoride as it helps to prevent tooth decay.
4. Don’t Skip Night Brushing:
It's crucial not to skip brushing at night, as saliva – which protects against tooth decay – decreases during sleep. To reinforce this, establish a consistent night routine of brushing followed by a bedtime story or song.
5. Regular Dental Check-ups:
Visiting a pediatric dentist when your child's first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday will start them on a lifetime habit of regular dental check-ups. These visits will also keep you updated on your toddler's oral health status.
6. Avoid Night-Time Bottle:
Do not allow your toddler to go to bed with a bottle. The sugars in milk or juice can cause what is called ‘bottle mouth’ or ‘baby bottle tooth decay’. Instead, opt for a bottle of water if they must have a bottle.
7. Encourage Healthy Eating:
Limit your child’s intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks. Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in calcium in their diet to boost their oral health.
8. Model Good Habits:
Children love to imitate their parents. Show your child how you brush and floss your teeth, making it a family activity. Demonstrating the importance of oral hygiene will likely prompt your child to follow suit.
9. Teeth-Healthy Snacks:
In between meals, give your toddler cheese, yoghurt, or fresh fruit instead of sugary snacks. These foods will not only maintain the toddler's oral health but also contribute to their overall well-being.
10. Use a Timer:
Brushing your teeth should take two minutes. Toddlers may find this duration challenging to keep track of, so using a timer or a two-minute song can help.
11. Dental-Friendly Toys:
Interactive toys that promote dental hygiene can be helpful in building interest. Try toothbrush toys or those that promote pretend play of going to the dentist.
12. Lead by Example:
Good oral hygiene practices begin with parents. Make sure you’re showing your toddlers that taking care of your teeth is a priority. Show them how you brush and floss regularly.
13. Regular Flossing:
Teeth brushing is important, but don’t forget about flossing. This can be introduced when two teeth touch each other.
14. Positive Reinforcement:
Encourage your toddler each time they complete brushing their teeth. Use rewards such as stickers, star charts, or any small token they love.
15. Story-Telling and Songs:
Integrate oral hygiene habits into story time or a sing-along activity. There are plenty of books and songs about dental care that can make teeth brushing more entertaining.
Parents have the daunting task of instilling proper oral care habits in their children, and it begins with toddler teeth. Maintaining the health of primary teeth is just as important as taking care of permanent ones. Developing strong, diligent habits now can have lifelong benefits, so following these tips and tricks can give your toddlers a healthy dental start in life.
Remember that oral care in toddlers is not a one-time task. It’s a gradual process that demands consistency, patience, and lots of care. While the journey might not be smooth sailing all the way, the rewards will certainly be worth it. Teeth might be small, but they’re mighty important, and keeping them healthy and strong starts from day one.
About the author:
Shruti Roy is from Bhagalpur and currently resides in Ghaziabad. She has a NET in public administration and holds two master's degrees in English literature and public administration.
She has a PG Diploma in Hindi Journalism from Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University and a BA (Hons) in English Journalism from Delhi University.She has also had a brief relationship with Hindustan Times, JT News, and Sportskeeda. Writing for her is a pleasant and calming activity.
She enjoys writing in both Hindi and English, including essays, short stories, articles, and poems. Currently she is a homemaker and likes spending quality time with her 6 year old son Parth.
