Dental hygiene is important for babies and toddlers. Practising healthy oral habits from birth can prevent the formation of cavities or tooth decay. Dental care for children should be followed by regular dental checkups at least twice a year.
For Babies 0 to 4 Months old
- Clean the gums of babies with a moistened cloth
- Gently massage the gums after feeding
For Babies 4 to 6 Months old
- Clean the gums with a wet cloth
- Once the teeth erupt, brush the teeth using a small, soft-bristled brush
- Brushing the teeth after each feed and at bedtime maintains dental hygiene
For Babies 6 to 12 Months old
As children begin solid food intake, dental hygiene is important to avoid tooth decay.
- Avoid bottle feeding
- Continue cleaning the gums and teeth with a soft-bristled brush
- Monitor the gums and teeth for white or brown spots, which indicate tooth decay
- Regular dental visits are good practice for dental care
For Toddlers 1 to 3 Years old
As the children grow old, continue dental hygiene by
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- Brushing your teeth twice daily with plain water
- For kids over 2 years old, use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste
- Teach a child to spit out the toothpaste
- Regular dental visits
Maintaining good oral hygiene, supervising the child while brushing, and avoiding sticky and soft foods that can grow bacteria leading to tooth decay can improve a child’s dental health.
