FAQs: Toddlers and Dental Care

Answers on Toddlers and Dental Care

1. What is the importance of Primary (Baby) Teeth?

   Many parents falsely assume that primary (baby) teeth are not important since they will eventually be lost and be replaced by permanent secondary (adult) teeth. However while primary (baby) teeth will eventually all be lost by adolescence, it is very important that primary teeth be kept healthy and in place until they are lost naturally.

   Primary teeth serve a number of critical functions, including helping your child maintain good nutrition, permitting your child to chew properly, facilitating proper speech development, and framing appropriate space for proper development of subsequent permanent teeth.

   In summary, besides helping your child to feel good and confident about themselves growing up, a healthy set of primary teeth also serves as a foundation for good long-term oral health. (Back to top)

2. What is Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)?

   Early childhood caries (ECC) - also known as baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) - is a preventable, infectious disease caused by certain types of bacteria that grow in the mouth of preschool-age children. Caries can arise so early in a child's life because children often hold food (such as juice and milk) for long periods of time in their mouth. Bacteria in your child's mouth digest carbohydrate and food particles in the mouth to produce acids that attack the teeth. Prolonged and frequent exposures to these acids result in cavities and tooth decay. (Back to top)

3. How can I prevent tooth decay from bottle feeding or nursing?

   Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Try to avoid having your child drink juice from a bottle or falling asleep with a bottle. After the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt, try to avoid all at-will nighttime breast-feeding. (Back to top)

4. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?

   Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age. (Back to top)

5. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?

   Prolonged thumb and finger sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth and bite problems. Nevertheless, thumb and finger sucking is perfectly normal for infants. Most toddlers stop the activities by age 2. If your child does not, discourage the thumb sucking habit after age 4. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address prolonged thumb sucking habits. (Back to top)

6. When should I start cleaning my infant's teeth?

   The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Continue to help along as your child grows: most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless advised by your child’s pediatric dentist otherwise, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3. (Back to top)

7. Do you have any advice on sore gums associated with baby teething?

   From six months to age three, your child may have sore gums as their teeth erupt. This is normal. During this sensitive period, your children may be satisfied by being allowed to chew on clean teething rings, cool spoons, and/or cold wet washcloths. You may also use a clean finger to gently rub the sore areas. (Back to top)

8. What is the normal progression of teeth development in children?

   Here are two charts from the American Dental Association (ADA) showing normal progression of teeth development:

   1. Eruption Chart for Primary Teeth (Children's Teeth)
   2. Eruption Chart for Permanent Teeth (Adult Teeth)

   You can find helpful tooth eruption charts on our forms page. (Back to top)