You’ve watched your infant grow and change over the first year of life. Now, your little one perhaps has a few teeth and a big personality as a toddler. You can start healthy dental habits as early as the toddler years, giving your child early exposure to your friendly dental office as well as creating habits at home that will last for years to come. Here’s how to get your toddler started on the right foot.
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Brush Their Teeth
Brushing teeth is a habit you can start as early as their first tooth coming in. While you can start with just a soft-bristled brush and water, you can graduate to children’s toothpaste once they are able to tolerate it. Be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride and to make the amount small (think of a pea for a three-year-old and even smaller for a two-year-old). Keep the experience fun by singing together or making silly faces in the mirror while you brush.
Drink Plenty of Water
Steer clear of juice and other sugary drinks, instead steering your toddler toward water as their beverage of choice. If it isn’t possible to brush their teeth before bedtime (sometimes they are exhausted and fall asleep early!), try a quick sip of water before they drift off in bed to eliminate bacteria that could cause cavities.
Visit Your Dentist
Dental visits can start as early as one year old, and we recommend regular visits for all our child patients at East Erie Dental. Our toddler visits are all about getting the child used to being in our office and giving them a pleasant experience to remember for the next time. These positive building blocks can help to decrease dental anxiety in later years. We can help to determine if teeth are coming in properly as well as catching any potential problems before they become painful.
Ready to start your toddler with happy and pleasant dental experiences? Call the team at East Erie Dental to schedule your first appointment today.