Great dental care habits begin in childhood. Teaching your children to brush and floss their teeth and visit the dentist for biyearly dental exams lays the foundation for lifelong oral health. Did you know that you can begin protecting their mouths from cavities and tooth decay even in early infancy? Below, Pediatric Dental Group, a pediatric dentistry in Honolulu, HI, offers some dental care do’s and don’ts to help encourage healthy habits in babies and toddlers.

5 Early Childhood Dental Care Do’s and Don’ts

1. Don’t Let Your Child Sleep With a Bottle

Many parents allow children to fall asleep with a bottle because it can make bedtime easier. However, the sugars in breast milk and formula can breed bacteria in your child’s mouth, potentially creating problems in developing gums and teeth. 

2. Do Wipe Your Child’s Mouth After Feeding

To help combat the spread of oral bacteria, wipe your child’s mouth after every feeding. Wait at least 15 minutes after your child has nursed or bottle fed, and then wipe their gums and tongue with a clean, wet washcloth.

3. Don’t Give Your Child Sugary Drinks in Their Bottle

Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and cavities in children. Excess sugar may also lead to childhood obesity and the development of diabetes in children. Only fill your child’s bottle with water, breast milk, formula, and natural fruit and vegetable juices.

4. Don’t Allow Small Children to Walk With Bottles

Babies and toddlers who are just learning to walk are very likely to trip or fall more often than older kids. Allowing children to walk with a bottle in hand may lead to facial fractures and other dental injuries. Avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital and only give children bottles as they sit or lounge.

5. Do Take Children for Regular Dental Exams

Teach children proper dental hygiene techniques by having them visit a children’s dentist before their first year. The dentist will review feeding habits and provide tips for continuing dental care. A pediatric dentist may also apply fluoride to your child’s mouth to help prevent the development of more cavities.

If you would like to get a head start on your child’s dental care, call (808) 593-8828 to schedule an appointment at Pediatric Dental Group. For more information about your child’s first dental visit, check out their website today.