Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most important dental fact about this age group?
Recent studies indicate that there is a “window” period from about 18 to 26 months of age when children are most likely to get the bacterium that causes tooth decay. The most common source is the saliva of the mother or another caregiver.
How can I use this information to protect my toddler?
- If your toddler has not yet given up the bottle, be sure that it contains only water at naps and bedtime. When the child is sleeping, the saliva does not wash over the teeth to give protection from decay acid.
- Keep your own teeth decay free with good dental care and regular brushing and flossing to minimize the concentration of the decay bacterium in your saliva.
- Brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day in a thorough way.
- Avoid fruit juice.
- See your pediatric dentist for a first exam about one year of age, and for checkups on the schedule that the pediatric dentist prescribes.
- Be aware of the fluoride content of the water that your child drinks. If it is below 0.6 mg/L consider fluoridated bottled water or a fluoride supplement.
What about breast feeding and decay?
Breast milk contains lactose so it can cause decay when children nurse during the night. Children who have erupted their teeth early and who nurse for many short periods or stay attached to the mother while they sleep are particularly at risk. If you are still nursing after your baby’s teeth erupt, use these suggestions:
- Try to reduce the amount of night nursing because this is when the decay occurs.
- Keep your toddler’s teeth very clean.
- Ask your pediatric dentist if there are any white spots or lines that signal beginning decay. If no signs are present, ask for a ninety day checkup interval while you are still nursing at night and don’t worry. If decay is starting, you may want to consider weaning.
What is the best way to brush my toddler’s teeth?
- Use a dry toothbrush. Don’t even wet the toothbrush with water
- Don’t use toothpaste until 2 years old. After 2, brush with a dry brush first, then add a half pea sized squib of paste
- Put the child’s head in you lap for comfort, security and good vision
- Use a small soft toothbrush with the bristles placed squarely against the teeth at the gumline. Use just enough pressure to cause a slight whitening of the gums. Jiggle the brush in a sideways direction. Follow the same path around the mouth each time to cover all the outside, inside and chewing surfaces.
- It should take 1 to 1.5 minutes to brush a toddler’s teeth