Baby teeth are just as susceptible to tooth decay as their adult counterparts. If they’re lost prematurely, it can make the remaining teeth shift, causing alignment issues. Decay can also spread to adult teeth, causing infections and cavities. Use these oral hygiene tips to prevent tooth decay in your toddler and create healthy foundations for their permanent teeth.

What Can You Do to Prevent Tooth Decay In Your Toddler?

1. Learn the Risk Factors & Symptoms

Children with diets high in sugar and starch have the greatest risk of tooth decay because of high levels of mouth bacteria. Low water consumption also increases the risk because it affects saliva production, which helps build hard and soft tissues in the mouth and flushes away food particles. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of baby tooth decay, including white spots indicating enamel breakdowns, and light brown to black spots on the teeth signaling cavities. Other symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as sweet foods, and general tooth pain.

2. Monitor Food & Drink Habits

Avoid feeding your child too many sugary foods and drinks, and always provide water. Never let your child go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup —   unless it contains water — so their teeth and gums aren’t covered in sugar all night. Use water for daytime sippy cup habits as well. 

3. Promote Healthy Oral Hygiene Practices at Home

Start your child on an oral hygiene schedule early on to encourage a lifetime of good dental health. Brush with a baby toothbrush and water as soon as your child’s first tooth comes in. Use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste after the child turns 2 and a pea-sized amount when they turn 3. Floss your toddler’s teeth every day after their second birthday, or as soon as at least two teeth are touching each other.

4. Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings & Checkups

Schedule visits with the local pediatric dentist every six months starting from your child’s first birthday. The toddler’s teeth will receive deep dental cleanings as well as examinations that look for tooth decay. Watch dental videos, provide coloring pages, and read books to help your child understand why routine visits are important and not something to fear. The pediatric dentist can also advise you on habits such as thumbsucking that can result in tooth misalignments, bite problems, and sensitivity in the roof of the mouth.
 

Make appointments with Kid Smiles in High Point, NC, as part of your child’s oral hygiene routine. The general and pediatric dentistry center offers Saturday appointments, accepts all insurance types, and emphasizes why dental care is a lifetime commitment. If your child is nervous about their first visit, this compassionate team will take the time to explain every step of the procedure so they feel confident and comfortable. Call (336) 885-5437 or reach out online today to request an appointment. For more oral hygiene tips, like them on Facebook.