Pediatric Dental Care

Good habits for teeth brushing and oral health care start at an early age. Some of the most common questions parents have about their baby’s teeth are when and how to start brushing them and when to see a dentist. Carrie Ibbetson specializes in oral health care for people of all ages and offers the following advice to effectively care for those tiny baby teeth.

Baby Teeth Development

You might think babies are born without teeth, but this is just because they have not yet erupted (appeared through the gum line). Babies are born with about 20 teeth, and they start erupting at about 6 months. Teething continues until about 3 years of age. Children will gradually lose their baby teeth, starting with the front teeth (incisors) around the ages of 6-8 and then the canines and molars at the back from ages 9-13.

Baby Teeth and Cavities

It’s important to note that baby teeth have a thinner layer of enamel than adult teeth. Because of this, they are very sensitive to decay so it’s important to brush the teeth and gums regularly. It’s also important to spend some time cleaning the nooks and crannies between the teeth. Cavity-causing bacteria comes from biofilm or plaque on and between the teeth and it can be easily transferred from parent to child. Be cautious kissing your child on the lips and ask your family members to do the same. Make sure you also thoroughly clean their pacifier if it drops on the floor and avoid sharing utensils. Oftentimes, moms use their own saliva to clean residue off their kids’ mouths or pacifiers but this can significantly increase the risk of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria to a child’s mouth.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

When it comes to preventing cavities and maintaining oral health, the sooner the better for dental visits. Once your baby’s teeth have erupted, they can be prone to tooth decay. It’s recommended that your child has their first dental visit between 6-12 months of age. This is a great time to look for an airway-focused dentist who proactively looks for breathing issues, tongue ties, and related issues that could increase the risk of cavity development in newly emerging teeth. Regular dental exams should also be scheduled every 6 months so that your dentist can offer preventative strategies and regularly check for early signs of tooth decay or gum disease.

How to Help Your Child Brush Their Teeth

You should start brushing your child’s teeth and gums before the first tooth erupts so that they can get used to the feel of a toothbrush. A small, soft TePE brush with Spry kids gel rich in xylitol is a great choice for this type of brushing. Biofilm and bacteria are already building up on the gums and tongue so xylitol will keep the microbiome healthy before the teeth are present. The same brushing habits for adults should be used for children: twice daily in the morning and evening. Children’s teeth should also be cleaned between the teeth daily, even if all their teeth have not yet come in. Starting early with your child’s oral health care will also ease the anxiety of dental visits or teeth brushing as they become more cognizant.

Tips for Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

There are a variety of child-friendly toothpastes and toothbrushes you can use for your child. Brushes will small heads and large handles that are easy to grip will come in handy once your child is ready to start brushing on their own. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that will be comfortable and effectively remove built-up food and plaque. These types of brushes can also help your child through teething times since they will be able to chew on them. When you start brushing your baby’s teeth, use a rice-sized dollop of toothpaste for children under the age of 2 and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3-6. Toothpaste that is rich in xylitol will keep the microbiome healthy and you can find products like the Spry gel that are safe to swallow. These toothpastes will also soothe the gum tissue for babies with erupting teeth.

It’s also helpful to show your child how to brush (holding the brush at a 45-degree angle turned toward the gum line) so they can prepare. Children should be able to start brushing on their own, with healthy supervision, by the time they can write in cursive (about 10 years old). Disclosing tablets are especially helpful for parents because they contain a dye that sticks to biofilm, making it more visible so you can see where the buildup is happening. All of these products can be found in our free pH Control Products Guide.

How You Can Maintain Your Child’s Dental Health

There are several simple lifestyle changes and habits that you can get into to protect your child’s oral health and prevent tooth decay.

Good Nutrition

Nutrition is crucial for your child's overall development, including the growth of strong, healthy teeth. Encourage your child to eat foods that need chewing since baby-led weaning is especially helpful for jaw growth and learning how to chew effectively. Crunchy, water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, and celery are all great options that can help the teeth come in effectively. Make sure your child is also regularly drinking water instead of juice.

Avoid Bottle Use at Night

Nighttime breastfeeding is a controversial topic that could warrant an entire article by itself. But let's consider a few essential points about nighttime oral care for children. Once food is introduced into a child's diet, the microbiome and bacteria in the mouth change immediately and permanently. During sleep, the body naturally produces less saliva, which is crucial for neutralizing the mouth and remineralizing the teeth. If needed, consider using a special pH-neutralizing gel for the gums and teeth, and opt for water instead of non-breastmilk liquids if your child is thirsty during the night. Think of your child's dental health like a delicate balance. Nighttime feedings, changes in bacteria from the introduction of solid food, and open-mouthed sleeping can shift it toward decay. On the other hand, healthy daytime habits can help restore the balance. By being mindful of nighttime feedings and concentrating on good daytime habits, you can maintain equilibrium and keep your child's teeth strong.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is beneficial to your child’s overall health and development. Cleaning your infant’s mouth with a wet washcloth or a pH neutralizing safe to swallow gel like Spry Tooth Gel is a great way to prevent this risk of pH spikes that can lead to decay.

Oral Health Coaching with Carrie Ibbetson

Carrie Ibbetson, a dental hygienist dedicated to helping families, provides personalized oral health plans for family members of all ages. Whether you're eager to begin immediately or looking for ongoing support, we have something for you. Our online course, accessible anytime, guides you through teeth cleaning and problem-solving. Sign up for our course here. If you prefer continuous, step-by-step assistance and a nurturing community, our exclusive membership program awaits you. Join the waitlist, as we open our doors every 6-8 weeks to welcome new members with live training and onboarding. Whichever path you choose, you'll find the resources to set your baby on a healthy oral journey. Your child's smile is worth it, and we're here to make sure it shines! If you want more information on the difference between the course and the membership, click here