DENTAL CARE FOR TODDLERS

Written by Caroline Meyer

In most cases, all 20 baby teeth will be in by the age of 3. The first teeth usually arrive at between 6 months and 10 months although in some cases they can arrive as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. While the central teeth at the bottom are usually the first to arrive, they can actually arrive in any order. Adult teeth start coming in between the ages of 6 years and 20 years.

Once the teeth start coming in, you need to start taking care of them with a gentle toothbrush designed for little ones. From 18 months of age, use a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste unless indicated otherwise by your dentist or doctor. Prior to that, just use water.  You should take your child for a first dental visit at around 12 months or anytime just after the first tooth arrives. Brush baby teeth twice a day, in the morning and just before bedtime.  Avoid sugary drinks and food to help combat tooth decay.

From the age of two you might want to get your toddler used to the process of brushing her own teeth. You can still help by showing her how to hold the toothbrush and teaching her the correct movements. 

She will still need supervision to ensure she is brushing properly until she is around 7 or 8 years old. 

Tooth brushing is not enough to ensure that she will not end up with cavities or other dental issues. Diet also plays a very important role. Flavoured milk, soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices and foods that are packed with sugar can all contribute to dental problems. Cut out added sugars in her diet and encourage her to drink water and unsweetened drinks

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You can start introducing the tooth cleaning process by having your child help you shop for a toothbrush, if they are old enough to understand. You can also show them toothpaste and let them know it is for them. Let them see you brushing your own teeth so they get the general idea. When you start with brushing, the most comfortable position is to sit or stand behind the child with their head resting against your body.  Having a mirror in front of the two of you may also make the process easier as you can then clearly see the child’s mouth and they can also watch the process in the mirror, which may make it more interesting for them too.

Gently cup her chin and place the brush against her teeth. Angle the bristles up towards the gum line and brush in small, gentle circles. This will clean the inner and outer teeth and gums. Brush back and forth on the top of the teeth, on the chewing surfaces. End off with asking her to stick out her tongue and gently brushing the top of the tongue.  Try and get her not to swallow but rather to spit out the excess water or toothpaste. There is no need to rinse after brushing unless she really wants to. The toothpaste that remains in the mouth actually works to protect the teeth from decay. You can use an electric toothbrush for your toddler, but refrain from brushing in circles if you do. Just guide the brush across the teeth and gum line and let the rotating head do the brushing.

Some toddlers will not enjoy having their teeth brushed or brushing themselves. You need to find ways to encourage them to do so and it needs to be part of the daily routine to reduce the risk of tooth and gum problems. Try making the process more fun by singing songs about it. Let the child play with a toy while you brush. You can pretend the toothbrush is magical and will make the teeth instantly clean and shiny. Even a quick brush is better than none at all. Good dental habits that are started early in life will help form habits that ensure improved dental health as they grow up.

When purchasing a toothbrush, choose one that is especially designed for babies and toddlers. These have softer bristles, small, oval shaped heads and usually a non-slip handle. They usually have fun and interesting designs that appeal to small children. Some little ones will be okay with an electric toothbrush, while others will prefer manual. Electric is better as they generally give a better clean, but don’t force the issue if your child prefers a manual brush. 

Once you have finished cleaning your child’s teeth, rinse the toothbrush well with tap water. Let it stand openly, upright so that it can dry. A toothbrush should be replaced at around the four-month mark or as soon as it starts to show signs of wear.

Start taking your child for annual visits to the dentist once the teeth come in. This allows them to get used to the process and not fear dentist visits. Your dentist is also able to catch any problems before they escalate and can advise on any special care that may be needed. Most dentists will offer services for children. In the public dental system, dental services are often offered free of charge up to a certain age. Check your territory’s health website for more details.