Dental Care for Toddlers - Can My Toddler Use Regular Toothpaste?

While caring for baby teeth may seem unnecessary, dental care for toddlers actually benefits children in several important ways. In addition to enhancing their appearance, a healthy mouth can make eating more comfortable and encourage proper speech habits as well. Although practicing good oral hygiene may be especially challenging when your child is young, your efforts will likely pay off. Brushing can help prevent decay and infections, allowing permanent teeth to develop properly and erupt where they are supposed to. The temporary nature of baby teeth should not be disregarded, as their maintenance can greatly affect permanent teeth.

Using a toothbrush specifically designed for a toddler can make routine brushing more pleasant for you as well as your child. For very young children, using toothpaste may not be necessary, as the brushing and rinsing actions often produce the greatest benefit. If you or your child likes the idea of using toothpaste, choosing one that is free of fluoride would be advised. As excess fluoride may actually be harmful, allowing a child who does not comprehend the concepts of rinsing and spitting to use regular toothpaste would be strongly discouraged. The benefits derived from using regular toothpaste should not override any potentially unhealthy side effects.

Ideally, toddlers should have their mouths cleansed twice every day with a small brush composed of soft and rounded bristles. Even more important than the motions used, making contact with all tooth surfaces will likely promote healthy teeth and gums. For areas where teeth have not yet erupted, simply wiping the gums with a clean, soft cloth will likely suffice. As your child gets accustomed to routine brushing, you may get the impression that your assistance is no longer required. Even though your youngster may seemingly understand the overall process, a young child will likely need assistance for many years to come.

Other things you can do to promote good dental care for toddlers include making healthy food choices, avoiding sugary drinks or beverages that erode tooth enamel, and avoiding bottled drinks other than water at rest times. Consulting a pediatric dentist can provide valuable information as to the damage that seemingly harmless foods and drinks can do to teeth, despite being healthy for the body. Having teeth in virtually constant contact with even pure fruit juice or milk can lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria as a result of the constant presence of sugar. Taking a comprehensive and informed approach to toddler dental care may encourage lifelong dental health.