Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers

Proper dental care is often overlooked in infants and toddlers, especially since their first baby teeth haven't cut through yet. Many parents mistakenly believe that there's no need to worry about decay in baby teeth because they'll only be falling out when adult teeth emerge. But strong, healthy baby teeth are necessary for toddlers to properly chew their food and correctly form words to speak. The baby teeth also set the foundation in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early from decay, the surrounding teeth could shift into that empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to push in, they could come in crooked or crowded from lack of space.

For these reasons, the American Dental Association recommends that good oral health practices should start at birth and be enhanced during toddler years with a visit to the dentist. With infants, it's not uncommon for them to get tooth decay from their bottles. Called "bottle mouth," it is caused by a baby regularly drinking sweetened juice or formula, especially too close to bed or nap times. The sugar collects in the mouth and forms bacteria at the gum line, causing decay on new teeth as they develop. This decay can also lead to dental problems in the permanent teeth. To prevent "bottle mouth," dentists recommend that parents clean their baby's gums with gauze and alternate bottle feedings between water and another liquid during the day. It's also recommended not to put your baby to sleep with a bottle.

Around six months, or as soon as your baby's first few teeth appear, parents should begin taking measures to prevent early childhood cavities. Since severe tooth decay can occur in infants and toddlers, it's important to begin gently brushing your baby's gums and baby teeth with an infant toothbrush and water. When all the baby teeth have emerged, begin flossing them as well.