If you’re new to parenting, you may be wondering how important oral care is for infants and toddlers. The answer is a flashing neon, “VERY IMPORTANT!” Oral health can significantly impact the overall health of your child.
Dental cavities and abscesses can lead to infections that can spread to other areas of the body. Complications from these infections can include hearing loss, organ damage, permanent paralysis, or even death in extreme cases. Oral health care practices begin when your child is young and ensure that your baby will grow up happy and healthy.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your infant or toddler’s mouth healthy.
* Never put a baby or toddler to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.
* Brush your baby’s teeth after every meal to prevent tooth decay.
* Let your toddler brush your teeth to encourage interest in good oral care.
* Do not use a toothpaste with fluoride until your child is old enough to follow instructions to not swallow the toothpaste.
* Oral care habits formed in the early years of life stay with your child for a lifetime.
* Hard candy (suckers, peppermints, Life Savers) and chewy candies (Starburst, taffy, gummy snacks) are not recommended for children as these foods can break tooth enamel or become trapped in the biting surfaces leading to cavities. Encourage other candy options whenever possible (like sugarless gum).
* See your pediatric dentist if you notice any unusual problems with the eruptions of your child’s teeth or if you have concerns about the oral development of your infant or toddler. Early treatment for some problems can mean a reduction in the cost of treatment for some problems.
* Set a timer for your toddler to help him understand how long he should brush.
* Be sure to purchase a soft bristled child-sized toothbrush for your toddler as inappropriate brushes can damage the enamel of your child’s teeth.
* Brush your child’s teeth as soon as possible following a snack or meal. The longer food particles and sugary liquids are in contact with your child’s teeth, the higher the chances of developing dental cavities.
* Most dentists recommend that infants and toddlers be given fluorinated water (Nursery Water) to help strengthen developing teeth.
* Visit your pediatric dentist early and often. Good oral health care habits begin with regular dental checkups and education from your child’s pediatric dentist.