The Utah Dentist

Toddler Teeth Tips

Use a warm washcloth or a moistened cotton swab to clean your child’s teeth after every meal. This gets the child used to something in his or her mouth. After this, graduate to a small, soft toothbrush. You don’t need to add toothpaste into the regimen until your child is 2 years old; use only a pea-sized amount on the bristles. “Make sure to develop a system so that you don’t miss any teeth,” says Dr. Barna. She suggests starting from the back to clean the molars, which are most susceptible to infection, and then working forward to the front teeth by pulling back the lips. You can either face the child or have him or her sit on your lap.

Additional oral health tips for parents:

• Bedtime is the most important time to brush.
• Schedule dental appointments early in the day, but avoid naptime. When bringing the child to your Utah County dentist for the first time, it’s okay to bring a comfort item such as a blanket or favorite toy. Make the experience positive for the child and try not to instill your own fears into the child.
• Change your child’s toothbrush every two months and after the child has been sick. Dr. Barna says parents should go through approximately four brushes between every six-month checkup.

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(from the Academy of General Dentistry)

Utah County Dentist