Gentle Dental Care for Babies & Toddlers
At Warnbro Sound Dental, we believe good oral habits begin in infancy. That’s why this page offers trusted guidance on cleaning gums, teething management, and ensuring healthy development before the first smile. Let us walk with you through these foundational early years.
We know young kids don’t come with manuals, especially when it comes to their teeth. Whether it’s gentle gum care, teething relief, or managing thumb-sucking, our expert-backed advice will help you build confident, healthy dental routines for your baby or toddler.
Below are some general tips and advice to keep in mind for parents with young babies and toddlers.
- Wipe Your Baby’s Gums – It is important to wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after their milk feeds. This is because milk contains a sugary substance which can result in tooth decay. While tempting, it is not recommended to put your baby to sleep by sucking on a milk bottle.
- Breast Feeding – Recommended from a dental perspective as it helps to strengthen your baby’s immune system and aids in the development on their facial structure.
- Brushing – At a young age, ensure your children see you brush, as they often learn through imitation. Then by 2-3 years old, many will be doing it themselves.
- Teething – Can last from about 3 months potentially up to about 3 years. As the teeth cut through the gums this can lead to discomfort and potentially swelling and a higher temperature. If symptoms seem particularly bad, it is best to consult your GP.
- Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers – If left unchecked once the child’s permanent teeth arrived, thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers can develop into problems for the child’s teeth and jaw alignment. Therefore, if you are going to allow your child to use these practices, it is best to put a stop to it between the ages of 2-4, when the permanent front teeth begin to arrive.