Did you know it’s important to care for your baby’s teeth even before they appear? Good habits can start in the very first weeks of life to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent cavities. Here are all our tips for keeping your child’s teeth in great shape: brushing, the first dentist appointment, and cavity prevention.

The importance of good dental hygiene from birth

Even though a baby’s teeth aren’t visible at birth, their 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw as buds, ready to break through. That’s why good dental hygiene matters from a very young age, with or without teeth.

Around six months of age, it’s time for the first teeth to come in. These temporary teeth, better known as milk teeth, will eventually fall out to make way for permanent teeth. They may be temporary, but it’s still essential to take care of them.

Their role is crucial on several levels, since they:

• Guide adult teeth so they grow in the right direction

• Define the shape of the face

• Are essential for proper language development

• Allow the child to chew all the foods they need properly

• Healthy teeth also help your child build good self-esteem as they grow up.

It’s therefore wise to pay close attention to children’s baby teeth. They are more susceptible to cavities than permanent teeth because their enamel is more fragile. A decayed baby tooth left untreated is not insignificant, as it can infect the adult tooth that is still developing under the gum. Not to mention that poor oral health can affect not only the teeth, but overall health as well.

The solution: adopt good habits early. It’s the best way to build your child’s awareness and support healthy teeth throughout their life. By getting them used to brushing as early as possible, you also make it part of their daily routine.

How to take care of your child's teeth?

Brushing teeth

You can start cleaning your little adventurer’s gums in the first weeks of life. To do this, wrap a clean compress dampened with cool water around your index finger, then gently rub. This massage helps clean your infant’s mouth and can also provide relief during teething. When the first tooth erupts, continue the same routine at least once a day.

Our tip: you can also use a silicone finger brush, which is very convenient
for soothing baby’s gums and cleaning their first teeth.

Around one or two years old, you can invest in a toothbrush. Choose a model with soft bristles and a small head suited to your child’s mouth. Replace it every three months, and as soon as the bristles start to splay.

The toothpaste

Toothpaste can be introduced around two to three years old. Not before, because your baby doesn’t yet know how to spit and might swallow it. At this age, a small amount of toothpaste is enough. To ensure your little adventurer gets the right amount of fluoride, choose a toothpaste suited to their age group. The fluoride level is adjusted so they get the right amount without excess.

The right technique

There are two techniques for cleaning children’s teeth: small circular motions or vertical brushing, from the gum line to the tip of the tooth. As for frequency, you can brush once a day during the first few months. At first, your little one may struggle to stay patient, so the brushing session shouldn’t last too long. After two years, it’s recommended to clean their teeth twice a day for two minutes. Evening brushing is the most important, because bacteria are most active at night.

8 tips to make brushing your teeth easier

To avoid the grimace when you bring out the toothbrush, try these tips. They can help turn dental care into a more fun ritual.

1. Offer your child the chance to choose their toothbrush

Your little adventurer will accept it more easily. Let them choose from several models: colorful options or ones featuring their favorite character.

2. Let your child handle it

This will help them become familiar with this new object. By letting your little one chew on it calmly under your supervision, they’ll integrate it into their routine more quickly.

3. Brush your teeth with them

Babies love to imitate you! Feel free to brush your teeth with your child—they won’t be able to resist following your example. Around two years old, they may try to brush alone, depending on their abilities. Stay close to make sure they don’t hurt themselves, and then go back over their teeth for an effective clean.

4. Play a little music

With music, everything feels more fun! You can sing a nursery rhyme yourself or, if you’re out of inspiration, browse the internet. There are many fun and educational songs. Choose one that lasts for the brushing time, so your child knows to keep going until the music is over.

5. Invent a story

Around two years old, don’t hesitate to tap into their imagination. Tell a little story to turn toothbrushing into a fun game. Your mission? Defeat the naughty germs using the magic wand (the toothbrush) and the magic potion (the toothpaste).

6. Use an hourglass

Children don’t have the same sense of time as adults, so brushing can feel like an eternity. Around age 3, don’t hesitate to place a small hourglass by the sink to give them a reference. There are also light-up toothbrushes that turn off as soon as the allotted time is up!

7. Congratulate them

Congratulate your child after brushing, especially as soon as they start trying to do it like you. They’ll be very proud of themselves! Depending on their age, you can create a small chart with checkboxes or stickers to add after each brushing. This will motivate them and help them feel responsible.

8. Persevere

Does your little rascal turn into a grumpy baby at the sight of the toothbrush? If they refuse to have their teeth brushed, try again the next day, and the next. With repeated practice, this will become part of their routine, and your child will eventually accept it.

The first visit to the dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are essential for caring for your baby’s teeth. It’s recommended to schedule the first appointment at 1 year old. The consultation is often easier if your little one isn’t yet in their famous “no” phase. ;) After that, an annual visit is recommended.

The purpose of this first appointment is mainly to familiarize your child with the dental office environment. Usually, no treatment is performed unless necessary. The practitioner will also check for early cavities or dental anomalies. It’s also an opportunity to guide parents on oral hygiene practices and to raise the child’s awareness in an age-appropriate way. That’s why it’s important to schedule this appointment before your little adventurer has a real dental problem. This way, they’ll feel more confident if they need to return for more significant procedures.

Before the appointment, don’t hesitate to prepare your child so the visit goes as smoothly as possible. It’s a big step into the unknown for your little adventurer, which can feel intimidating. Reassure your child by explaining that you’re going to see the tooth doctor and that they will look inside their mouth to check whether their teeth are growing well. Don’t give too many details, to avoid worrying them. After the visit, praise them for their courage!

The golden rules to prevent cavities in children

The bacteria present in the mouth feed on food debris, especially sugar, which they convert into acid. This acid then attacks the enamel and causes cavities.

To help prevent that, here are the rules to follow to reduce the risk of dental cavities in your child:

Take care of your child’s teeth with good oral hygiene.

Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

Make sure your little one does not snack between meals.

Avoid using your spoon to taste their food or putting their pacifier in your mouth before giving it to them. Adult saliva can transmit bacteria responsible for cavities.

In the evening, do not give your child a bottle containing milk, fruit juice, or any other sweet liquid to help them fall asleep. Their teeth would be in contact with sugar all night—an ideal environment for cavities! This is what is called “bottle syndrome,” which is responsible for early childhood caries.

Regularly check your little one’s teeth. If the enamel is yellow or brownish, if there are white spots, or if your toddler has bad breath, see the dentist!

Did you know? Some foods are particularly good for oral health. This is especially true for green vegetables, apples, carrots, or fish. Feel free to include them when

We hope this article has answered all your questions about caring for your child’s teeth and ensuring bright smiles! ;)