Caring for your toddler’s teeth

Baby teeth matter! Baby teeth are needed for proper speech and language development, as well as for diet and nutrition. Bacteria in the mouth and tooth decay can also affect your child’s overall health and how well they feel.

Seeing the dentist

Current guidelines state that children should see a dentist when the first teeth come in and definitely by 12 months old (except that some children don’t get teeth until after 12 months). However, there seems to be a shortage of dentists in our area, even pediatric dentists, who will see children according to their own guidelines. That’s one of the reasons pediatricians are now applying fluoride to kids’ teeth (see below).  Children should definitely go by three years of age, and sooner if there are signs of tooth decay (white or dark spots on the teeth).

Brushing

You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day as soon as they come in! You should use toothpaste with fluoride. They still sell toothpaste without fluoride for toddlers and young children, but this is no longer recommended.

For children less than two years old, use a small smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). In older toddlers, use a pea-sized amount. It is fine if they swallow it.

Children this age cannot brush their own teeth well enough; you have to brush them. It is good to let them practice before or after you brush them.

Fluoride in water

It is very important that children drink water that contains fluoride. Almost every county and city water supply has added fluoride. If you use well water or bottled water, it can be tested to see if it has enough fluoride. If you use Nursery Water or a similar product, you may want to use the one with added fluoride, depending on what other sources of fluoride are in your child’s diet. Children who do not drink water with fluoride should usually be on fluoride drops, which are a prescription.

Fluoride varnish

Children need to have fluoride applied to their teeth every 3-6 months, either by their dentist or their pediatrician. That’s right… pediatricians are now putting fluoride on kids’ teeth. Fluoride helps protect their teeth and is now recommended for all children.

Teething

Teething happens… but it does not cause any symptoms other than a little fussiness sometimes. Teething does not cause fever, runny nose, or diarrhea. The best treatment is something cool to chew on. Ibuprofen can be used for more painful cases. Do NOT use teething/oral gel or homeopathic teething tablets; they are both dangerous to children.

Resources

Recommended books for kids

  • All about Teeth by Mari Schuh
  • Brushing Teeth by Mari Schuh
  • Brush, Brush, Brush by Alicia Padron
  • Ready, Set, Brush! (Sesame Street)
  • Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl
  • The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
  • The Teeth that Looked for a New Mouth by Jill Jones
  • Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
  • Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
  • The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
  • Max Goes to the Dentist by Adira Fay Klein
  • At the Dentist by Mari Schuh
  • How Many Teeth by Paul Showers
  • Loose Tooth by Mari Schuh
  • Snacks for Healthy Teeth by Mari Schuh
  • The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller (older kids)