Every parent remembers when their toddler’s first shiny tooth appeared. It’s an unforgettable milestone filled with joy. Now it's time to embark on good dental care to keep those precious teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay. In this article, we will explore tooth care tips for toddlers.
Tooth Decay in Toddlers - the Reality
Did you know that tooth decay in toddlers is more common than many other childhood conditions, including obesity, asthma, and diabetes? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry tells us that tooth decay isn't just common; it's actually the number one chronic disease in childhood. To put it into perspective, kids are four times more likely to suffer from tooth decay than from early childhood obesity, five times more likely than asthma, and a staggering 20 times more likely than diabetes.
But here's the thing - tooth decay isn't just about cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that if left untreated, tooth decay can lead to serious pain, and infections, and even impact a child's ability to eat, speak, and play. Even more concerning are studies suggesting a link between untreated tooth decay and severe health issues later in life, including heart disease and stroke.
Tooth decay doesn't play favorites; it affects kids as young as 2 all the way up to their teenage years. Specifically, 21% of toddlers between 2 and 5 have dental caries, and this number jumps to 51% for kids between 6 and 11. And teenagers? Over half have experienced tooth decay.
This isn't just a health issue—it's an education issue, too. The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors reports that kids in the U.S. miss 51 million hours of school each year due to dental problems. And when they're in pain or dealing with dental issues, their school performance can suffer significantly.
Top Tooth Care Tips for Toddlers
If you are a parent like me, then I’m sure that you find the above statistics mind-blowing. I have to admit that I’m not perfect, I often gave my two-year-old daughter a bottle at night so she would easily drift off to sleep. However, after reading the cold-hard facts of dental decay in toddlers I immediately changed my daughter’s bedtime routine.
Now I give her a bottle while I read her a bedtime story. As soon as she has finished the bottle, I clean her teeth before she falls asleep.
Also, I learned that I should never share utensils with my tot. Be honest, how many of you have taken a bite of baby food using an adorable doddl utensil to show your little one it’s yummy? Well, this is a big no-no because you are sharing mouth bacteria which could impact your child’s long-term oral health. Keep the cute doddl toddler spoon out of your mouth - it's only for your toddler!
Maintaining your toddler's smile so it’s bright and healthy is a crucial part of their overall well-being and health.
Below are a few tips for maintaining my toddler’s oral health that I have learned through extensive research and by talking with my toddler’s dentist.
- Embrace the Basics Early: Start cleaning your child's mouth even before those first teeth appear. A soft, damp cloth gently wiped over their gums can remove harmful bacteria. Once the first tooth shows up, switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with water.
- Be Cautious with Sharing: It might seem harmless to share a spoon with your toddler or to clean their pacifier with your mouth, but this can transfer bacteria from you to them. Even if it's done out of love, try to avoid these small acts to keep their mouths bacteria-free.
- Choose Water Over Juice: Sugary drinks, including juice, can be a fast track to tooth decay. Encouraging your toddler to drink water instead of juice or soda helps prevent cavities and promotes overall health. If they do have juice, aim for mealtimes and dilute it with water.
- Healthy Snacks for Healthy Teeth: Snacks like cheese, fruits, and vegetables are not only nutritious but also help clean the teeth and promote saliva production, which protects against decay. Try to limit sticky, sugary snacks that cling to their teeth.
- Make Toothbrushing Fun: Turn toothbrushing time into a game or a storytime. Some toothbrushes play music or light up (I bought a Disney princess one for my daughter and a Buzz Lightyear one for my son), making the two minutes of brushing fly by. Celebrate their effort with a sticker or a simple clap to show how proud you are.
- First Dental Visit by First Birthday: Schedule your toddler's first dental visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits help catch any potential issues and get your child comfortable with dental check-ups.
- Fluoride is Your Friend: A tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (no bigger than a grain of rice) can significantly help in preventing tooth decay. Ask your dentist when it's the right time to start using fluoride toothpaste for your toddler.
- Regular Check-ups: Just like adults, toddlers need regular dental check-ups too. These visits are essential for spotting problems early and getting professional cleanings that keep teeth healthy. I learned that the more frequently my toddlers see the dentist, the more at ease they feel. In fact, it's a great way to avoid dental fears later in life.
- Bedtime Bottles: Try to avoid sending your toddler to bed with a bottle, especially if it contains anything other than water. Milk or juice sitting on the teeth overnight can lead to what's known as "bottle decay."
- Be a Role Model: Children learn by example. Let them see you taking care of your own teeth with regular brushing and flossing. It sets a positive tone for dental hygiene being a normal part of daily life. I always brush and floss in front of my little ones so they know it's a positive and fun experience - not something to dread.
By following these tips, you're not just taking care of your toddler's teeth; you're setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping those adorable smiles shining bright!
Dental Health and Snacks
I used to believe that raisins were a healthy snack choice, but I was wrong. Most dried fruits are loaded with sugars and similar to giving your toddler a gummy candy. The sticky fruit sticks to their teeth where bacteria flourishes.
If you want to give your children dried fruits, provide the food as a part of the meal instead of as a solo snack.
Tips for Toddler Toothbrushing
Below are the top tips that I learned about brushing my toddler’s teeth.
As soon as that first tiny tooth pops up, it's time to get the brush going - twice a day, no excuses! I found a super-soft brush for my little one and upgraded to a bit firmer brush as they got older.
Timing is everything - brush those tiny teeth twice daily, with one session right before bed, after the last meal or drink of milk. But hey, don't jump straight into brushing after meals; give it a 15-20 minute pause. Turns out, our meals soften the tooth enamel, and saliva needs a bit of time to do its magic and toughen it up again.
Two minutes of brushing can feel like forever to a little one. If they start wiggling away, no stress, just take a mini-break and dive back in. And who knew? Circular motions are your best friend for kicking plaque to the curb. After brushing, teach them to spit, not rinse – it keeps that fluoride right where it needs to be.
I’ve learned it’s pretty smart to stick around and help or keep an eye on the brushing ritual until they hit 7. Oh, and don’t forget to give that toothbrush a good rinse after each use. And because we all love a fresh start, swapping out for a new brush every 3 to 6 months is the way to go. Trust me, your kiddo’s smile will thank you!
Sugar and Your Toddler’s Teeth
The CDC lays it out pretty clearly: keep those sweet sugars away from the little ones under 2 years old. No added sugars for them! And once anyone hits the 2-year mark or older, the game changes slightly, but there's still a rule - added sugars should only make up less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. So, if you're an adult munching on 2,000 calories a day, only 200 of those should be from added sugars, max. That's roughly 12 teaspoons. It's all about keeping those tiny teeth as healthy as can be!
Foods and Drinks for Toddlers - The Good and Bad
As a parent, we have all been there. Your toddler is hungry and wants a snack - what to give that’s healthy and won’t hurt their newly emerging teeth?
Here’s a quick guide on what to embrace and what to avoid for the sake of those precious smiles:
Avoid or Limit
- Fizzy and Soft Drinks: Swap these out for something less sugary.
- Sweetened Squash: Better left on the shelf.
- Fruit Juice/Smoothies: Stick to 150ml daily, and always with a meal to fend off tooth decay.
- Sugary Snacks and Dried Fruit: Save these for meal times to avoid sticky situations.
Watch Out for Liquid Medicines: They can be sneaky sugar bombs. Opt for sugar-free versions.
Encourage:
- Milk and Cheese Post-Meal: They’re like a reset button for your mouth’s pH level.
- Water and Milk: Perfect for sipping between meals.
- Fresh Fruit: Always a great choice.
Remember, catching early signs of tooth decay and acting fast with fluoride toothpaste can make a big difference. And don’t forget, regular dental check-ups are key to keeping those smiles bright and healthy.
Let’s Get to Brushing!
I’ll end this article on tooth care tips for toddlers with a quick share from the CDC called P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom:
“Protect - by caring for your mouth when you’re pregnant. Your child’s future oral health starts with you.
Ensure - to wipe your baby’s gums after each meal.
Avoid - putting babies to bed with a bottle.
Remember to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. For children younger than 2 years, consult with your dentist or doctor about when to start using fluoride toothpaste.
Limit drinks and food with added sugars for children. Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables and have fewer fruit drinks, cookies, and candies. This gives your child the best possible start to good oral health.
Schedule your child’s first dental visit - by their first birthday or after their first tooth appears.”
Happy toothbrushing... it's a doddl!