How Do I Take Care of My 2 Year Old's Teeth? Proper Oral Hygiene For Toddlers

Oral care is different at every stage of your child’s development. So if your kid has just hit the “terrible twos” and you’re not quite sure how to care for their newly-erupting teeth, you’re in the right place! In this blog from Willow Pediatric Dental, we’ll discuss oral care tips for two-year-olds in detail. Read on, and learn everything you need to know.

By Two, Your Child Will Have Most Of Their Teeth 

This can depend on your child, of course. But by age two, you can expect your child to have the majority of their 20 baby teeth. The process of teething will usually be totally complete by age 2 1/2 to age 3, which is when the final molars will erupt.

Between ages 1-2, it’s usually enough to clean each of your child’s teeth and their gums with a clean washcloth or gauze. But once they’ve got most of their teeth, it’s time to start brushing.

It’s Time To Start Brushing (And Make Sure You Do It Right!) 

Starting at the age of two, you should begin brushing your child’s teeth twice per day. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush, and a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Until your child is 3 years old or can spit on command rather than swallowing toothpaste, you should avoid fluoridated toothpaste.

Brush your child’s teeth thoroughly for at least 2 minutes, twice per day. Brush the front, back, and the tops of the teeth using small, circular brush strokes. We recommend brushing once after breakfast, and once before bed. 

You Should Floss Your 2-Year-Old’s Teeth, Too! 

Yes, even kids can benefit from flossing! It’s a good idea to start flossing once your child has most of their baby teeth. Flossing helps remove food particles and debris which can contribute to cavities and tooth decay, so it’s very beneficial for keeping your child’s mouth healthy. 

Not sure how to floss your own teeth properly, let alone your child’s teeth? Don’t worry. YouTube is here to help! This video is a helpful guide to the process of flossing a toddler or child’s teeth. 

Keep Sugar Consumption Down To Avoid Cavities

Avoid letting your child drink sugary drinks like juice and keep their sugar consumption down. A diet that is high in sugar can cause cavities to form, due to the oral bacteria which feed on sugar and excrete acid, which can damage the teeth. Having your child drink water or rinse their mouth after eating or drinking sugary foods and beverages can also help reduce the risk of cavities.

See A Pediatric Dentist Every Six Months To Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright! 

If you haven’t taken your child to see the dentist yet, now is the perfect time to start! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry actually recommends that your child see the dentist at the age of 1, or whenever their first tooth comes out (whichever comes first). 

Seeing a pediatric dentist every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning helps keep your child’s teeth healthy, and lets you learn more about their oral health and how to care for their mouth properly. So make sure your toddler sees a qualified pediatric dentist like Dr. Sam Alzayat every six months for a check-up!

Want More Oral Care Tips For Two-Year-Olds? Need A Pediatric Dentist? Contact Us Now! 

At Willow Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in caring for little smiles in Rancho Santa Margarita. To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sam Alzayat, just give us a call at (949)966-0669, or stop by our office at 22032 El Paseo, Suite 240, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 to schedule a consultation in person.