Your toddler’s smile is precious, and those little teeth need special attention to stay healthy and strong. Let’s explore everything you need to know about caring for your little one’s dental health during their second year of life.
When Those Teeth Start Popping Up
Between 12-24 months, your toddler will be getting many of their primary teeth. By their second birthday, they should have 12-16 teeth. Each new tooth brings both excitement and responsibility for dental care!¹
Daily Dental Care Routine
Morning and Night Brushing
Start building good habits early! Use a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.² Make brushing fun by:
- Singing a special tooth-brushing song
- Letting your toddler hold their own brush (with your help doing the actual cleaning)
- Using a timer or playing their favorite short song while brushing
- Making funny faces in the mirror together
Gentle but Thorough Cleaning
Clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to gently clean the gums and tongue too. Aim for two minutes of brushing, though this might take some practice to achieve with an active toddler!³
First Dental Visit
If you haven’t already taken your little one to the dentist, now is the time! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears.⁴
What to Expect at the Visit
- A gentle examination of your toddler’s teeth, gums, and jaw
- Discussion about proper cleaning techniques
- Guidance on thumb-sucking and pacifier use
- Information about fluoride needs
- Tips for preventing tooth decay
Healthy Habits, Happy Smiles
Snacking Smart
What your toddler eats affects their dental health. Choose tooth-friendly snacks like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Cheese and yogurt
- Whole grain crackers
Avoid sticky, sugary foods and don’t let your little one walk around with a bottle or sippy cup filled with milk or juice.⁵
Saying Goodbye to Bottles
By 12-18 months, work on transitioning completely from bottles to cups. This helps prevent tooth decay and promotes better oral development.⁶
Common Concerns and Solutions
Teething Troubles
Your toddler might still be teething. Safe ways to help include:
- Clean, cool washcloth to chew on
- Refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings
- Gentle gum massage with clean fingers
- Pain relief medications recommended by your pediatrician⁷
Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers
While common at this age, start thinking about gradually reducing these habits. They can affect tooth alignment if continued too long.⁸
When to Call the Dentist
Contact your dentist if you notice:
- White or brown spots on teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Teeth that look damaged or discolored
- Any injury to the mouth area
- Signs of pain when eating or drinking⁹
Making Dental Care Fun
Create positive associations with dental care through:
- Reading books about going to the dentist
- Playing “dentist” with stuffed animals
- Letting your toddler pick their toothbrush (with appropriate characters or colors)
- Praising good brushing behavior
- Making it part of a fun bedtime routine¹⁰
Remember, these early years set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Stay consistent, patient, and positive about dental care, and your toddler will develop healthy habits that last a lifetime!
References
- American Dental Association (ADA). “Baby Teeth.” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2023.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). “Policy on Early Childhood Caries: Classifications, Consequences, and Preventive Strategies.” The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry, 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Children’s Oral Health.” Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2023.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). “Policy on the Dental Home.” The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry, 2022.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Oral Health: Key Facts.” WHO Global Oral Health Status Report, 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Oral Health Guidelines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents.” Pediatrics, 2023.
- Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. “Management of Teething Problems in Young Children.” Volume 45, 2022.
- International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. “Long-term Effects of Pacifiers and Thumb-sucking on Dental Development.” Issue 3, 2023.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). “Dental Care for Your Baby.” NIH Publication, 2023.
- Pediatric Dental Journal. “Behavioral Approaches to Pediatric Dental Care.” Volume 31, 2023.
