Encouraging Healthy Oral Habits from the Start

Your baby’s smile is precious, and caring for those tiny teeth early sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits. Even before the first tooth appears, your child’s oral health is already taking shape. From teething to brushing and everything in between, here’s what every parent should know.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

Tooth decay begins when bacteria on the teeth feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that break down enamel. In babies and toddlers, this can quickly lead to Early Childhood Tooth Decay, often called Baby Bottle Decay. One of the most common causes is putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. The sugars sit on the teeth overnight, giving bacteria plenty of time to cause damage.

Protecting Against Early Childhood Decay

Here are simple steps to reduce your child’s risk:

• Only give water in bottles at bedtime—never milk or juice.

• Avoid letting your child carry a bottle or sippy cup around during the day (especially with sugary drinks). Reserve those for mealtimes.

• Start encouraging cup drinking early.

• Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey.

• Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth.

• Use fluoride toothpaste! For children under age 2, use a rice-sized amount. Once they can reliably spit, switch to a pea-sized amount twice a day.

• Help with brushing until your child is around 7 or 8—most kids don’t have the coordination to clean their teeth effectively until then.

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your baby visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting, usually by their first birthday. Even the smallest teeth can develop cavities, and early visits allow us to spot and prevent issues before they start.

At this first visit, Dr. Roshi Rastegar will check for early signs of decay, evaluate your child’s oral development, and show you how to care for their teeth at home. Bringing your child in early also helps make future dental visits feel routine and stress-free.

Tip: Keep a positive attitude! Children pick up on your energy, so treat dental visits as a fun and normal part of growing up.

Building Healthy Habits from the Start

Children love to imitate the adults around them. By brushing and flossing your own teeth daily, you’re modeling the importance of good oral hygiene. Let your little one join in, even if they’re just holding a toothbrush at first. Choose a colorful toothbrush with their favorite character and try these fun ideas:

• Sing a silly brushing song

• Let them “brush” your teeth while you brush theirs

• Use flavored toothpaste made just for kids

No matter how your child brushes, always go over their teeth again afterward to make sure everything is clean. The goal is to make brushing fun and consistent so your child sees it as a normal, happy part of their day.

Teething and Grinding

Teething typically starts around 6 months and continues until all baby teeth are in (usually by age 2–3). It can be an uncomfortable time, but there are plenty of soothing tricks that help:

• Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or spoons

• A cool, damp washcloth to chew on

• Gentle gum massage with a clean finger

Some babies may also begin grinding their teeth. While the sound can be unsettling, it’s completely normal and usually not a cause for concern. A bit of wear on baby teeth is expected. Most children outgrow grinding when their permanent teeth come in. If grinding persists into adolescence or adulthood, Dr. Roshi may recommend a night guard to protect the permanent teeth.

Understanding Finger and Thumb Habits

Thumb or finger-sucking is a natural reflex that often starts in the womb. Many infants find comfort in the habit, but if it continues beyond age 4, it can interfere with healthy oral development.

Risks of Prolonged Thumb-Sucking

According to the American Dental Association, children should stop thumb-sucking by age 4 to avoid:

• Crooked or misaligned teeth

• Crossbites or open bites

• Changes in jaw development and bite

• A malformed roof of the mouth

• Speech issues

The severity of these problems depends on how often, how intensely, and how long the habit continues, as well as the position of the thumb or finger in the mouth.

Tips to Break the Habit

• Use positive reinforcement—praise your child for not sucking rather than punishing them for doing it.

• Try putting a bandage on the thumb or a sock on the hand at night. Explain that this is just a gentle reminder, not a punishment.

• Create a progress chart with daily stickers and weekly rewards. A month-long streak could earn a special prize!

• Identify emotional triggers—some kids suck their thumbs when they feel anxious or tired. Focus on relieving stress rather than just stopping the behavior.

• Distract during common sucking times, like long car rides or watching TV.

• If the thumb-sucking is tied to a security item like a blanket or stuffed animal, you may need to address both habits together.

• Explain in age-appropriate terms what could happen to their teeth if the habit continues.

With patience and consistency, most children can overcome thumb-sucking before it becomes a long-term concern.

A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Starts Early

From baby teeth to big-kid checkups, our goal is to give your child the best foundation for lifelong oral health. With daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits with Dr. Roshi, gum disease and tooth decay can often be caught early, or prevented entirely, keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy for years to come.

Have questions about your child’s oral health? We’re here to help every step of the way.