Even though your child’s first set of teeth aren’t permanent, it’s important to keep your toddler’s teeth clean. Cavities form when the naturally occurring bacteria in your toddler’s mouth combine with sugars in the food residues left on their teeth, producing an acid that attacks their tooth enamel.
Teaching your little one to care for their teeth offers another great chance for you to bond, while helping make trips to the dentist easier and instilling lifelong healthy dental habits early on.
When to Clean Your Toddler’s Teeth
Your toddler will need their teeth cleaned at least twice a day. After breakfast and after his evening meal are ideal times, but before bed is the most important time to brush a child's teeth; decay-causing bacteria are more likely to grow at night.
How to Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth
Appeal to your toddler's sense of independence (only big boys and girls get to brush their own teeth), provide some tasty toothpaste and a small, soft toothbrush, and the task may be greeted with the same enthusiasm as a new toy.
Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste containing fluoride. Too much fluoride could cause permanent tooth stains
They may only concentrate on the front, so remind them to get the teeth hiding in the back
Show them how to rinse thoroughly with water, and then carefully brush their teeth yourself, as young children usually don't get into all of the cracks and crevices.
When to Take Your Toddler to the Dentist
Now is a good time to get your toddler used to visiting the dentist every 6 months for a checkup. Do your best to make the occasion fun. If he's nervous, sit him on your lap in the "magic" chair so the dentist can have a quick look inside his mouth.
