Essential Oral Care for Babies and Kids

Infants might not have teeth, but did you know the gums are a huge part of essential oral care for babies? From their first cry, through teething, to toddler times, we’ll go over what kind of oral care you’ll need to administer throughout the years.  

Pre-Birth 

Before they are even born, 20 temporary teeth form under the gum line when they are at about 6 weeks in the womb. At 3 to 4 months, hard tissue (gums) will begin to surround the teeth. During this time, it’s important that the mother take in good nutrition for healthy tooth development.  

Get adequate amounts of:  

• Calcium 
• Phosphorus 
• Vitamin D 
• Vitamin C 

Avoid: 

• Tetracycline: Causes discoloration to the developing teeth.  

1 – 6 Months 

The baby is at the priming stages of the development of its baby teeth, which come through the gums. Gum care is especially important during this stage.  

• Since they have less saliva than adults, they’ll need help to get rid of bacteria. Clean the gums after every feeding. Gently massage the gum tissues with a moistened cloth over your index finger.  
• Avoid the habit of putting them to bed with a bottle. Once their teeth start coming in, the sugar in the formula or milk can cause early tooth decay known as nursing-bottle caries.  
• Look for your baby to teethe between 4 to 6 months. Their saliva flow will increase and the gums will be swollen and red from time to time. Give them a cold washcloth or cool teething ring to ease the symptoms.  
• Avoid testing things in your mouth before putting it in theirs. Dental decay is infectious and transmissible. Some say the floor is a cleaner place than another’s mouth.  

6 – 12 Months

Between these months you will see the child’s first tooth pop up, usually in the middle lower and upper jaw! Oral care for babies is just as important as it is when they are older. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Stay vigilant!  

• Keep cleaning the gums. With each new tooth, use a soft bristled brush with no toothpaste in addition to gum care.  
• Continue using teething rings and soothing techniques.  
• Start to introduce cups instead of bottles.  
• Offer water instead of sugary beverages to encourage healthy practices.  
• If the water is not fluoridated, talk to your pediatrician about supplements.  
• Check your baby’s teeth often for tooth decay. It will show up as a brown spot. Make an appointment with the dentist right away if this is apparent.  
• Make the child’s first dental appointment!  

1 – 2 Years 

Continue doing everything in the previous section. By this time, your child should have teeth popping in regularly that will need monitored. 

2 – 5 Years 

At 3 years old, toddlers will be using cups and not sucking on their thumbs. If they are still doing so, use a few techniques such as calling attention to the behavior and putting a mitten on their hand. By age 5, your child should have 20 baby teeth in total!  

• This is the stage where you can finally teach them how to brush their teeth. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste 2x a day for 2 minutes each time. Keep them under supervision during this time to make sure they are brushing along the gum line and not swallowing the toothpaste. Brush your teeth along with them!  
• Continue to check their teeth for decay.  
• Introduce the practice of flossing when the teeth start to get closer together.  

Bottom Line for Essential Oral Care for Babies 

We hope Essential Oral Care for Babies has helped lay out the groundwork needed for giving your child the best chance they deserve for good oral health. Please keep in mind that we recognize that not every child may have the same timeline as this. Developmental differences will make a difference as to what will happen at what stage. It is best to talk to your pediatrician often about their expected progress and development.  

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist? Dr. Lance and our team are friendly, gentle, and create a comfortable environment for your whole family. We’ll make sure the smallest smiles are healthy so they can put their best face forward and achieve whatever they set their minds to. We also offer family appointment blocks so you can get the whole gang in to see us on a single visit! Book today!  

At Miami Valley Smiles in Mason, Ohio, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, or if you’re due for a cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide you with the best care possible. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us directly.