Establishing good dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly can set your toddler’s teeth up for a lifetime of good dental health. Over 100 million Americans skip their routine dental cleanings and exams annually, for one reason or another, so it’s important to make sure your toddler’s teeth are getting the attention they need.
Early Development of Your Toddler's Teeth
Each primary or baby tooth serves as a placeholder for its permanent counterpart and plays an important role in speech development. Toddlers who don’t experience normal tooth development often struggle with speech impediments, problems chewing, and pain. The risk of tooth decay is heightened in toddlers who consume sugary drinks, including fruit juices and sweetened beverages.
Setting a good example for your toddlers is often the first step. Let your toddler see you brushing and flossing, so they understand that this is a normal part of life. Promote thorough cleaning and help them with brushing until they are at least five to seven years old.
Eruption Timeline
Dental development usually follows a predictable schedule. It begins around six months of age with the appearance of the lower central incisors. Next, the upper central incisors make their debut, usually by the eighth month. Between 9 to 16 months, the lateral incisors emerge on both the upper and lower jaws.
Around the first birthday, your toddler may exhibit the arrival of their first set of molars. At that point, chewing becomes easier for them. The canines typically follow, appearing between 16 to 20 months. Finally, the second set of molars completes the process at 20 to 30 months. By two and a half, all of your toddler’s teeth should be developed.
Potential Problems During Tooth Development
The dental eruption can bring about discomfort, with symptoms including irritability, excessive drooling, and a tendency to chew on objects. To alleviate your toddler’s pain, you can provide tooth development toys or chilled rings to chew on.
Gentle gum massages with a clean finger can also be soothing, especially if a tooth is about to break the surface. Remain attentive during the tooth development phase, as recognizing your toddler’s symptoms allows you to intervene and reduce their discomfort more quickly.
Your Toddler's Teeth & A Strong Oral Care Routine
Establishing a consistent oral care routine for your toddler’s teeth early on nurtures good lifelong dental hygiene habits. Begin by introducing an age-appropriate toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth emerges. Encourage your toddler to participate in the brushing process, making it a fun and interactive experience. Brush twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime, using gentle circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces.
Introduce the concept of spitting after tooth brushing as your toddler grows. Gradually transition to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste as spitting becomes easier. Incorporate a routine dental check-up, starting around their first birthday, to monitor your child’s dental development and address any emerging concerns.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, specifically designed for a toddler’s delicate mouth. Look for age-appropriate features, such as colorful designs or favorite characters, to make brushing enticing. Avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles that may be harsh on their gums. Choose a fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval, which ensures the product meets safety and efficacy standards.
Avoid toothpaste with excessive flavor that may discourage regular use. Consider additional oral care products like flossers designed for children to introduce flossing habits. A rinse specifically formulated for kids may also complement their routine. Ensure products are free from harmful chemicals.
Why Is Fluoride So Important for Toddler’s Teeth?
Incorporating fluoride into a toddler’s oral care routine helps enamel become more resistant to acids produced by bacteria and reduces the risk of cavities. Fluoride promotes the mineralization of each tooth, contributing to the formation of a strong foundation for the eventual eruption of the tooth’s permanent counterpart. Regular exposure to fluoride can occur through toothpaste, water, or professional treatments.
Healthy Eating to Prevent Dental Problems
A toddler-friendly diet that supports your toddler’s teeth health can prevent early oral problems. Opt for nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Incorporate crunchy options like apples and carrots, which stimulate saliva production and aid in natural tooth cleaning. Cheese, high in calcium, contributes to enamel strength.
Limit sugary snacks and beverages as they can lead to tooth decay. Choose water as the primary beverage to stay hydrated and wash away food particles. Avoid sticky candies, which create an environment conducive to cavities. Instead of sugary fruit juices, offer whole fruits that provide fiber and require chewing, promoting saliva flow. Introduce lean proteins like poultry, fish, and whole grains for a well-rounded diet.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use can impact your toddler’s teeth development. These habits, if persistent, may lead to issues such as misalignment and changes in the roof of the mouth. The constant pressure from sucking can affect the positioning of emerging teeth. To address thumb sucking or pacifier use, use gentle redirection and positive reinforcement.
Introduce alternative comforting methods or offer a favorite toy as a distraction. Establish a reward system to encourage your child to break the habit gradually. Most children naturally outgrow these habits, but if concerns persist, consult with your dentist. Early intervention can ensure proper oral development.
Common Dental Issues With Toddler's Teeth
Common dental problems in young children include tooth decay, injuries during play, and enamel hypoplasia. Tooth decay often results from a diet high in sugars and inadequate oral hygiene. Injuries during play can cause trauma to developing teeth. Childproofing the environment and using safety measures help mitigate the risk of injuries.
Enamel hypoplasia, a condition where tooth enamel is underdeveloped, may also occur. This can be caused by various factors, including bad diet or illness during tooth development. Identifying and addressing enamel hypoplasia early on is an important part of proper dental care.
Your Toddler's First Appointments at the Dentist
Schedule the initial visit at Cornerstone Dental before or around your child’s first birthday. This first appointment allows the dentist to monitor early dental development and address any emerging concerns. The initial sessions are typically gentle and focus on building a positive rapport. During these visits, your dentist should conduct a thorough examination of each of your toddler’s teeth as well as the gums, checking for any signs of decay or developmental issues.
To prepare your toddler, use positive language and convey excitement about the dentist. Read books or watch videos that portray dental visits positively, emphasizing the importance of keeping children’s mouths healthy. Create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere to ensure that your toddler’s initial dental experiences are positive.
Emergency Dental Care
We understand the urgency of dental emergencies for toddlers. Whether it’s a sudden injury, severe toothache, or any other urgent issue, we offer a responsive approach. Just give us a call as soon as the problem occurs, and we’ll book you in for an emergency appointment.
Are You Seeking An Experienced Martinsburg Dentist To Take Care Of Your Toddler’s Teeth?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist to help protect your toddler’s dental and oral health please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
