Hot take: taking care of baby teeth is just as important as taking care of adult teeth! It’s easy to let oral hygiene fall to the wayside knowing that the tooth fairy will be a constant presence throughout childhood. We all want the best for our children—so setting them up for great oral hygiene habits as early as possible ensures that those habits stick throughout adulthood. There’s a lot more to it than just brushing and flossing. Whether your kiddo is still teething or navigating braces, here are a few key facts and tips to make the journey easier on both parents and kids.
Taking Care of Teeth Through The Years
Yay, your baby’s first tooth! What a milestone. Did you know that these teeth not only help your little one chew and speak clearly, but serve as placeholders for adult teeth? If a baby tooth is lost too early, the adult tooth may drift into the wrong position, causing alignment issues down the road. Caring for baby teeth ensures they stay healthy for as long as needed until their grown up teeth are ready to go. Starting a brushing routine as soon as the first tooth appears helps prevent cavities and sets up hygiene habits early.
As your kiddo grows, their oral care needs will change. Here are some best practices broken down by age:
Infants (0-1 year):
Even before teeth appear, you can start caring for your baby's gums. Wipe their gums with a soft cloth after feedings to prevent bacteria buildup. Once their first tooth shows up, switch to a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and use a small smear of children’s toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Toddlers (1-3 years):
At this stage, your little one will have more teeth, and it’s important to start brushing twice a day with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. It's also a good time to teach them how to spit out toothpaste. While they may not be able to do it perfectly yet, showing them the right technique will prove useful down the road.
Preschoolers (3-5 years):
By now, your child may be brushing their teeth on their own with some assistance. Encourage them to brush for two minutes, making sure they cover all surfaces. It’s due time to make a first-time visit to the pediatric dentist, as a dentist can spot issues early. It’s also a great way to start helping your kiddo become comfortable with regular dental appointments. Start introducing the idea of flossing with helpful tools like the Kids Reflosser, a reusable dental floss holder. (It even comes with stickers!)
School-age Kids (6+ years):
At this age, kids are often ready to start brushing on their own, but don’t stop supervising! Flossing should become part of their routine, especially as they get molars. Pro tip: give your kiddo a boost of confidence and let them pick out their favorite flavor of Cocoshine to really encourage them to use it. If your child is getting braces or other oral appliances, they’ll need extra care when brushing and flossing to ensure no food stays trapped underneath.
To Fluoride Or Not To Fluoride
When selecting toothpaste for your child, one key decision revolves around fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that’s been extensively studied and proven to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and making teeth more resistant to harmful acids. Many dental professionals support the use of fluoride in toothpaste, as it’s shown consistent, long-term effectiveness in cavity prevention. While there’s been some concern in recent years regarding fluoride exposure in drinking water, the use of fluoride in toothpaste remains a trusted, effective solution for dental health of all ages.
However, there are other options available. Non-fluoride toothpaste is often marketed as a natural choice, but without an effective active ingredient, they may not provide the long-lasting enamel strengthening that’s so crucial for fighting cavities. Many non-fluoride options simply don’t contain ingredients that are proven to be as effective in cavity prevention.
Meet nano-hydroxyapatite, the active ingredient we use in Cocoshine! Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is a mineral that closely resembles the natural structure of tooth enamel and has been shown to remineralize and repair enamel, making it a solid option for parents looking to try something else. It effectively helps clean strong and prevents decay while promoting overall dental health. Plus, We chose nHA for its proven results and its gentle, yet powerful ability to remineralize teeth. With Cocoshine, your kiddo could try out a fluoride-free option that still offers reliable protection and results you can feel good about.
Hot Topics for Kids’ Teeth
As they grow, you might encounter recommended treatments–take expanders for instance. Expanders are a treatment growing in popularity for young children with underdeveloped or narrow jaws or palates (aka the roof of your mouth). It’s not as scary as it sounds, it’s actually a highly effective appliance therapy used to make space for adult teeth, promote jaw development, and improve their airway and ultimately overall health.
Orthopedic expanders work by gently widening jaws, promoting jaw development and making more room for adult teeth to grow in without crowding. This is particularly important when the permanent teeth come in, as it can help prevent the need for more invasive orthodontic or surgical treatments down the line. This treatment can be recommended for children as young as 3 years old. If your dentist or orthodontist suggests expanders for your child, it’s important to follow their care instructions closely. While it may seem intimidating at first, kids can adapt quickly, and the results are well worth it.
Taking care of your little one’s teeth might feel like another overwhelming responsibility at times. But with a little consistency and fun, colorful tools on your side, it doesn’t have to feel so complicated. With regular check-ups, a great oral hygiene routine, and early interventions when needed, you can set your kiddo up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
