How to Care for Your Little One’s Oral Health and Teeth for a Healthy Smile

Caring for your little one's oral health and teeth is something mothers should prioritize from birth. Teeth not only help chew food and enhance appearance, but also support speech development, stimulate proper growth of the jaws and face, and benefit the digestive system.

Why are baby teeth important?

The first baby tooth usually appears around 6 months old, with all 20 teeth emerging by age 2 to 3. At this stage, children cannot care for their own dental health, so parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring good oral health.

Common dental health problems in young children

• Tooth decay (dental caries) results from bacteria in the mouth caused by sugary foods and drinks. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, children's teeth should be cleaned every time after eating.
• Crowded and misaligned teeth can cause bite problems and affect chewing. This often results from bottle feeding or thumb sucking after the child is older than 1 year.

Six practices to promote good dental health in little ones

• Regularly check your child's teeth yourself.
• Brush teeth at least twice a day, morning and evening, using fluoride toothpaste.
• Stop nighttime milk feeding when your childis about6 months old. Avoid letting your child fall asleep while nursing from a bottle, and discontinue bottle feeding by around 18 months.
• Provide a balanced diet with all five food groups, avoiding sticky sweets and crunchy snacks.
• Parents should set a good example by practicing good oral hygiene themselves.
• Take your child to the dentist every 6 months.

Tips for brushing your child's teeth

You can start brushing your child's teeth when the first baby tooth appears by usinga clean, soft clothmoistened slightly with water to wipe the teeth and help your child get used to the sensation. Once the two lower front teeth fully emerge, begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing children under 1 year old can be challenging as they may refuse to open their mouths or stay still, sometimes crying or struggling. Therefore, it's helpful to have someone hold the child still during brushing. If brushing alone, position the child so you can clearly see their teeth—for example, sit on a bench or floor with the child lying on their back, head resting on your lap, both facing the same direction.

This method allows you to clearly see the teeth and brush thoroughly. Adults should supervise children's brushing until about 8 years old, observing whether the child can turn the toothbrush independently. If the child can neatly tie shoelaces, it indicates sufficient fine motor development to brush their teeth effectively.

Information provided by: Digital Dentistry and Implant Center, Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital