There are many reasons why it is important to take proper care of your toddlers’ teeth. Firstly, it sets an important routine for them to carry out for their entire lives for maintaining good oral health. Brushing your toddlers’ teeth when they first appear, twice a day with a fluoridate toothpaste (size of a grain of rice), helps to prevent bacteria from food and sugar from eating the enamel of the teeth. Brushing also prevents gum disease like gingivitis.

Secondly, when they have their full set of teeth, brushing helps with speech, pronunciation of words and letters, as well as eating and digestion. When infants loose teeth due to cavities too early, this can also have a negative impact on the development of adult teeth. The baby teeth hold the spot for the adult teeth when they are ready to come through. If an unhealthy baby tooth needs to be pulled too early, the adult tooth may not erupt where it is supposed to, and orthodontic treatment may be required.

Lastly, poor dental health affects overall health. It can lead to infections and disease not only in the mouth, but in other areas of the body. It’s best to limit sugary food and sticky carbohydrates, such as bread and crackers for toddlers, as well as sippy cups or bottles with anything other than water.

These brushing routines can be difficult and may cause some crying, but it is in the toddlers best interest to get the proper dental care at an early age at home.

Happy Brushing!