Toddler Tooth Care

Keeping your toddler’s teeth healthy is an important part of their overall wellbeing. And with the right knowledge, caring for their teeth can be a breeze. The primary teeth, or baby teeth, are just as important to a toddler’s oral health as adult teeth. Not only do they help children chew and talk, but having healthy primary teeth is essential for future development of strong permanent teeth. From brushing and flossing to diet and hygiene, here is all you need to know about toddler tooth care. 

The Importance of Primary Teeth

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are important for a child’s development in many ways. Baby teeth are important for children to:

• Chew and eat food. Children need to eat healthy foods every day to grow and be strong. Children with tooth decay are less likely to eat crunchy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Being able to eat these foods promotes good nutrition and a healthy weight.
• Speak clearly. Children who lose baby teeth too early may have trouble making certain sounds. This can make it hard to understand the child. A child may need speech therapy to improve speech problems that may develop because of missing teeth.
• Keep space for adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth growing in the jaw. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth that are already in the mouth will move into space. It can block out the adult tooth trying to come in and cause crowding. The upper and lower jaws may not meet properly because of the crooked teeth.
• Stay healthy. Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to infections that can cause fever and pain. If not treated, the infection from tooth decay can spread to other parts of the head and neck and lead to severe swelling.
• Have self-confidence. Children with decayed front teeth tend to not smile or may cover their mouth when talking. Sometimes they stop playing with other children. A healthy smile helps give children the self-confidence needed to have good social experiences.

Toddler Tooth Care Tips

Taking care of your toddler’s teeth is an essential part of their overall wellbeing. Here are some tips for keeping their teeth healthy:

• Brush twice a day. Brushing two times a day using a soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste is important. This helps prevent cavities and gum diseases from forming.
• Floss once a day. Flossing your toddler’s teeth helps remove plaque and food particles in between their teeth that brushing can miss.
• Visit the dentist regularly. It is important to establish good oral habits early, so regular visits to the dentist are essential for healthy teeth.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Sugary snacks and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay in toddlers. Try to limit the amount of sugar your toddler consumes and opt for healthier options instead.
• Watch out for thumb sucking. It is normal for a toddler to suck their thumbs, but it can lead to misalignment of teeth if done too often or too forcefully. If your child has been sucking their thumb for more than three years, it’s best to visit your dentist for advice.

By following these tips and teaching your toddler good oral habits, you can make sure their teeth stay healthy and strong. With proper care, your toddlers’ primary teeth will pave the way for a lifetime of beautiful smiles!

Toddler Tooth Care: What to Expect at a Preventative Dental Cleaning for Your Child

The best way to prevent oral health pitfalls is to establish good oral care practices early on. We do this at Li’l Sunshine Smiles, through excellent education in your appointments with us. First, we show you how you can improve your oral hygiene practices at home. Secondly, we point out areas that need more attention. And, finally, we answer any questions you may have during the process. 

A typical cleaning appointment takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Treatment is given while your child is lying down on a dental chair. During your child’s cleaning, our team will offer services to ensure his teeth and gums are and stay at his very best. Typical cleanings include:

• Medical History Review. Medical health can change between cleanings. So, we always begin each appointment by gathering your child’s most recent health history. Certain health conditions (and their associated medications) can impact the health of your child’s teeth and mouth. Alert us to any changes to his health condition. 
• Teeth Polishing. Using a slow-speed hand-piece, we will clean and polish your child’s teeth. As a result, your child’s teeth return to their original brightness and smoothness. 
• Tartar Removal. Tartar happens. Even with your best efforts to brush daily. Tartar can’t be removed at home because of its strength. Tartar requires ultrasonic treatments and fine hand tools by a trained dentist or hygienist to be erased.
• Periodontal Health Evaluation. Gum disease is looked for in several different ways. For example, we will measure the depth of your gum pockets, checking for bleeding sites and assessing bone loss. We do this by probling and through digital x-rays and/or observation. Sometimes it is necessary that patients begin an antibiotic for persistent gum infections or bacteria.
• Occlusion Check. Because teeth move over time it affects how your child’s bite functions. Also, how he chews and ultimately how he swallows. Dr. Cat will check to see how your child’s teeth are currently fitting together. Sometimes teeth shifting is severe. If this is the case, and his bite is not functioning correctly, we can refer you to an orthodontist.

Make an Appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

At Li’l Sunshine Smiles, we are passionate about helping your child have a great oral health experience. We understand that visiting the dentist can be daunting for children. That’s why we strive to make our office a welcoming and comfortable space for your little one. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!