Dental Health in Infants and Toddlers
Ways to Ensure Healthy Oral Development in Young Children
Jul 30, 2009
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) says, “Infants can get cavities just like older children and adults. Following all feedings, you should clean your baby’s mouth and teeth.” Many new parents are unaware of the importance of beginning oral health practices, such as cleaning the baby’s mouth after a night time feeding or monitoring the use of a pacifier, as a regular part of the health care routine of the infant or toddler. Such practices instill good oral health habits and also prevent tooth decay and gum disease in the years to come.
Between the ages of six and twenty-four months of age, there are many changes in a baby’s mouth. The first tooth will appear around six months of age and a total of 20 baby teeth will come in. Giving a child the gift of healthy teeth begins with the habits parents form at the very start of a child’s life.
What is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay results when liquids that contain sugar are left in a baby’s mouth for a long time, and the teeth are not cleaned. These liquids include:
- Breast milk
- Formulas
- Cow’s milk
- Fruit juice
- Sweetened tea
- Soft drinks
Babies can get cavities as soon as teeth erupt. Early cavities start on the top front teeth. Once a month, lift the child’s upper lip and look for any chalky white or brown spots at the front and back of their upper teeth.
Cleaning A Child’s Mouth
It is important to begin the habit of cleaning a baby’s mouth, before the teeth come in. Choosing a convenient time to clean a baby’s mouth each day is very important. Bath time is ideal, because this is a time when babies are happy and relaxed.
Wipe the inside of the baby’s mouth with a clean washcloth or a finger brush. Regular mouth care makes a baby’s mouth feel fresh, develops good habits and is preventative of early childhood tooth decay.
Thumb Sucking or Pacifier: Which is the Best Choice?
There are varying opinions on the debate to either allow thumb sucking or enforce the use of a pacifier. Sucking is a natural urge which provides comfort and relaxation to babies, however, if this habit is allowed and continues after the permanent teeth have erupted, it could affect positioning of a baby’s teeth or jaw.
Furthermore, pacifiers also satisfy a baby’s natural need to suck and are safe to use. It is also easier to stop pacifier use than thumb sucking. Choosing a pacifier that is the right size for a child’s mouth is very important. Do not dip a pacifier in sugar, honey or anything sweet, as this could cause cavities. Use of a pacifier should be stopped as soon as possible, as it too may affect the positioning of a child’s teeth.
Snacking that Supports Healthy Oral Development
Healthy snacking plays an important role in oral health. Encourage healthy choices, such as:
- Cheese
- Soft cooked or canned vegetables
- Fruit
- Yogurt
If a child needs a drink between meals, water is best. Do not allow frequent drinking or sipping on milk, juice or anything sweetened with sugar, as it could cause cavities.
As early as six weeks into pregnancy, a baby’s first teeth are beginning to grow. This illustrates the need for good oral health practices from the very beginning of life to ensure the healthy oral development of an infant and toddler.
Sources:
Oral Health: Birth to 12 years by Durham Regional Health Department, 2009.
The Canadian Dental Association, “Dental Care for Children,” 2009.
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