The oral hygiene practices that you instill in a child during their first three years impact their lifelong dental health. That’s why you should take your little one to see a dentist as soon as a tooth erupts. While infants might seem too young for dental checkups, proper care will help them avoid cavities and sensitive teeth as they age. Here are a few dental strategies to practice with your child.

How Can You Care for a Toddler's Teeth?

1. Clean Them Often

Most infants develop teeth between six months and their first birthday. Even though these teeth are transitional, daily cleaning prevents plaque and bacteria buildup. To do this, wipe their gums and baby teeth with a clean, damp cloth or use a soft-bristled, infant toothbrush. Starting at 18 months old, you can transition the child to a fluoride-based toothpaste. This will prevent cavities and teach your child the importance of brushing from an early age.

2. Avoid Sleeping With a Bottle

If you give your child a pacifier or bottle when putting them to bed, always take it when they fall asleep. The rubber nipples on these items can alter the shape of growing teeth while your child sleeps, causing misalignment as they grow. Additionally, milk from bottles and bacteria from pacifiers can linger in the mouth, contributing to the formation of plaque. After removing the bottle, wipe your child's teeth and gums to remove residue.

3. Offer Water

While many toddlers have a favorite juice or love milk, encourage them to drink water more than other options. Water is much better for oral hygiene, as it helps rinse food debris from the mouth and doesn't contain sugar. Additionally, tap water contains small amounts of fluoride, promoting strong teeth. While milk is an excellent treat because it provides calcium, children should always brush their teeth after drinking it.

If you need to take your toddler in for their first dental appointment, contact Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC, in Coweta, OK. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Braumiller emphasizes oral hygiene for people of all ages, offering routine exams, cleanings, and preventative care in a safe and comfortable setting. Call (918) 486-6516 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for more information about their services.