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Oral Health and Hygiene for Infants 0-11 Months of Age
Infant's and Toddlers
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Make an appointment for the infant’s first oral examination within six months of the eruption of the first
primary tooth and no later than 12 months.
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After the initial dental visit, make the next appointment for the infant according to the schedule recommended by the dentist. This will be based on the infant’s specific needs.
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For infants with special health care needs, more dental visits may be needed. Talk this over with the dentist. Sometimes special oral
hygiene supplies may be needed to brush the infant’s teeth.
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Clean the infant’s gums with a clean damp cloth and plain water after each feeding.
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Begin to brush the infant’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, usually around age 6 to 10 months, twice a day (after breakfast and before bed). Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed for infants, and plain water. Lift the lip to brush at the gum line and behind teeth. Do not give the infant anything to eat or drink after brushing the teeth at night.
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If the child is at risk for
tooth decay, the dentist may suggest other advice for the parent.
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Know what normal gums and teeth look like so problems can be spotted early.
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Check the infant’s gums and teeth once a month by lifting the infant’s lip to look for decay on the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth.
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Always talk with the dentist or physician before giving the infant any
fluoride.
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If at all possible, know the level of fluoride in the infant’s drinking water.
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Oral Health for Toddlers 1-4 Years
Infants and Toddlers
- If the toddler has not yet been to the dentist, make an appointment for the first dental visit. This will establish a dental home.
- For children ages 2 and older, brush the teeth with no more than a pea-sized amount (small smear) of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).Make sure the child spits out after brushing but does not rinse with water. The small amount of fluoridated toothpaste that remains in the mouth helps prevent tooth decay.
- For effective plaque removal, the parent should brush the child’s teeth. Because brushing requires muscle control, young children cannot clean their teeth without parental help. After children acquire muscle skills typically by age 7 or 8, they can clean their teeth effectively but should be supervised by an adult.
- Give the child fluoride supplements only as prescribed by a dentists or physician, based on the risk of developing tooth decay and the known level of fluoride in the child’s drinking water.
- Discuss with a dentist or other qualified health professional the need to apply dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. Sealants create a physical barrier against dental plaque. Dental sealants should be applied shortly after the teeth erupt.
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