A Guide to Baby & Toddler Dental Care

Your baby’s primary teeth may seem small, but they play a big role in their overall health and development. From chewing and speech to setting the stage for permanent teeth, healthy baby teeth are important. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for caring for those precious pearly whites and ensuring your little one has a bright future filled with smiles.

The Importance of Healthy Baby Teeth

Your baby’s primary teeth, often called baby teeth, are more than just placeholders for adult teeth. They’re important for chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for the permanent teeth that will come later. Healthy baby teeth also help your child develop a confident smile!

Why Baby Teeth Matter

• Speech development: Baby teeth help your child form words and sounds correctly.
• Chewing: They allow your child to eat solid foods, which is vital for nutrition.
• Guidance for permanent teeth: Baby teeth hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth to come in properly.

Understanding Tooth Decay in Infants

Tooth decay can develop even before your baby’s first birthday. Known as “baby bottle tooth decay,” this condition is often caused by frequent exposure to sugary liquids like milk and juice. If not addressed, it can result in pain, infections, and problems with the growth of permanent teeth.

Signs of Tooth Decay

• White spots: Look for white spots on the teeth, which can be an early sign of decay.
• Dark spots: Dark or brown spots on teeth indicate more advanced decay.
• Irritability: If your baby seems fussy or in pain, it could be due to tooth decay.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• Avoid sugary drinks: Limit sugary drinks and opt for plain water or milk instead.
• Clean teeth after feeding: Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding, especially before bedtime.
• Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle: If you must, only use plain water in the bottle.

The Role of Early Dental Care

You might think there’s no need to worry about dental care before your baby’s teeth start to show, but early care is important. Healthy teeth start with healthy gums, so get into the habit of cleaning your baby’s mouth early on.

• Use a clean finger or a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings. This helps keep the gums clean and sets the stage for healthy teeth.
• Once the first tooth appears, switch to a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste or hydroxyapatite toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

• Size: Select a toothbrush sized for your child’s age.
• Soft bristles: Ensure the toothbrush has soft bristles to protect your child’s delicate gums.
• Cleaning: Keep the toothbrush clean by rinsing it with tap water and storing it upright to air dry.

Healthy Snacks for Toddlers

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Crunchy options like apples, carrots, and cucumbers are great for teeth. They help clean food particles from the teeth and stimulate saliva production, which naturally protects against decay.
• Cheese and yogurt: Dairy products are rich in calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel. They also help balance the pH levels in your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
• Nuts and seeds: These are packed with nutrients that support healthy teeth, like calcium and phosphorus. Just be sure to chop them finely for younger toddlers.

Snacks to Avoid

• Sugary snacks: Avoid candies, cookies, and sugary drinks that can stick to teeth and cause decay.
• Sticky foods: Foods like raisins or gummy snacks can get stuck in the crevices of teeth and are difficult to clean out.
• Juice drinks: While they might seem healthy, many juices are high in sugar. Water is always a better option for hydration.

Snack Ideas

Here are some toddler-friendly snack ideas that are good for their teeth:

1. Apple slices with cheese: Apples help clean teeth while cheese adds protein and is a great source of calcium.
2. Cheese sticks with whole-grain crackers: A simple and calcium-rich snack.
3. Cucumber slices with hummus: A crunchy, nutritious option that’s easy on the teeth.
4. Plain yogurt topped with fresh berries: Yogurt provides calcium while berries offer antioxidants without too much sugar.

Regular Dental Checkups: What to Expect

The American Academy of Dentistry recommends that your child sees a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Regular dental checkups help ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and catch any potential issues early.

The First Dental Visit

• What to expect: The first visit is often short and involves a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums.
• Oral care advice: Your dentist will offer tips on maintaining oral health, discuss fluoride varnish, and answer any questions you may have.
• Fluoride treatments: Your dentist may apply a fluoride varnish to help protect your child’s teeth from decay.

💡 Did you know? Children under two are eligible for a free dental checkup! To find out more, call (303) 953-8801. We accept Medicaid because every child deserves a healthy smile.

Youth Dental: Your Kids Dentist in Colorado

At Youth Dental, we’re committed to providing the best possible care for your child’s smile. From their first tooth to their first dental checkup, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of pediatric dentists knows the needs of young patients, and we aim to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

If you are searching for a dentist that accepts Medicaid or a dentist accepting new patients, we can help. We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. To book an appointment at one of these locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form.