Early Teeth Care for Tiny Tots

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Dr Snehal

"What is the right age to start paying attention to my child's teeth?" This is a very common question asked by most parents. The correct age to start oral care for your child is immediately after their birth. Even though infants don't have teeth, their gum pads play an important role in oral health. If you don’t clean your child's gum pads or tongue after each feed, it can become a harbor for future decay of milk teeth.

Milk teeth typically start erupting at around 6 to 7 months. Retained sugary substances on the teeth’s surface can lead to early childhood caries, also known as rampant caries. As the name suggests, this condition occurs in early childhood and can spread rapidly among neighboring teeth, extensively damaging their structure. As a result, children can experience severe sensitivity, pain, and swelling.

Once tooth destruction occurs, a proper treatment plan and execution by a professional dentist become necessary to save the natural deciduous teeth until they exfoliate.

As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure," which is why early diagnosis and care are extremely important.

Early Signs of Tooth Decay:

• White patches on tooth surface
• Plaque retention on tooth surface
• Chalky cracks on tooth surface

Preventive Care Parents Can Take:

• Clean your child's gum pads after each feed with a clean cotton cloth.
• Ensure your child drinks plenty of water.
• Encourage healthy eating habits that include fruits, vegetables, millets, etc.
• Avoid junk and processed foods.
• Begin tooth brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• Schedule regular dental visits at least once a year to keep your child's teeth decay-free and to help them become familiar and comfortable with the dentist.
• Remember, early teeth care and awareness can significantly benefit your child in the long run. Happy teeth lead to a happy child, which contributes to a happy and healthy life!