Oral Care for Newborns and Toddlers

2 days ago

Here are some common concerns and questions parents often have regarding oral care for newborns and toddlers.

Tongue Tie

All babies are born with a filament that connects the tongue to the base of the mouth. When this filament is too tight or restricts the tongue’s movement, it is known as a tongue tie. This can make latching difficult, leading to issues like an underfed baby, painful feeding for the mother, spillage, and a frustrated baby. It can be diagnosed by your pediatrician or lactation consultant at birth or during wellness check-ups.

In most cases, the condition is mild, and with guidance from a lactation consultant, successful latching can be achieved. However, in some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be needed to release the filament. This procedure, performed by pediatric surgeons or dentists, involves minimal bleeding and discomfort for the baby. It can be done in the hospital or later as an outpatient clinic procedure, without the need for sedation or an overnight stay.

Oral thrush

Thrush is a painless, white coating on the tongue, and sometimes the inner cheeks or lips, caused by fungal overgrowth. It commonly affects infants up to toddlers and can be passed to the breastfeeding mother, causing nipple pain.

Thrush can be diagnosed by your pediatrician without the need for tests. Treatment involves an antifungal medication for the baby, which is safe to swallow. The same medication can be applied to the mother’s nipples. For babies using bottles or pacifiers, proper cleaning and sterilization is essential. For older children, maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly changing toothbrushes, straws, and sippers is important.

Infant Teething

In most infants, the first teeth typically appear around 6-7 months, though for some, it may be delayed until after 12 months. The lower or upper central teeth are usually the first to emerge. How can parents tell? You might notice your baby becoming fussy with swollen or hard gums, increased drooling, and a tendency to chew on things. Occasionally, a mild fever may also occur. During this time, be sure to provide your baby with soft foods, teething toys, cold teething rings, and, if necessary, baby paracetamol.

Newborn Teeth

In rare cases, babies may be born with teeth. These are typically small, yellowish, and located in the upper or lower central area. If the tooth is loose, a pediatric dentist may recommend removal, as it could interfere with establishing a proper latch and pose a risk of aspiration or choking on a loose tooth.

When and how to brush infant teeth

When to Start: Begin cleaning once the first tooth erupts.
How: Use a finger silicone brush or soft baby toothbrush with water. Gradually introduce toothpaste, following age-specific fluoride guidelines. Young children’s toothpaste typically has little to no fluoride, as they can’t spit.
How Often: Brush twice daily and floss at night if food is stuck. Parents should supervise brushing until age 7-8, after which children can brush independently.
When to See a Dentist: The first dental visit should be around age 1, with follow-ups every 6-12 months.

Dental trauma

Toddlers are prone to oral trauma as they explore new motor skills like running, climbing, and jumping. While most injuries can be managed at home with ice, cold water, and pain relievers, seek dental care if you notice loose or sharp teeth, gum bleeding, cuts, or swelling around the mouth. Some injuries may require a dentist’s follow-up, including X-rays or additional checks to assess any damage to growing teeth.