[Blog] Ep 21. How to Care for Babies' and Toddlers' Teeth & Prevent Cavities

ft Dr Vivek Jogani BDS MDS (Pediatric Dentist)

Dental health is often overlooked in young children because baby teeth eventually fall out. But, as pediatric dentist Dr. Vivek Jogani emphasized in his conversation with Rinie Gupta on the Modern Indian Parent podcast, early oral care lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and strong teeth. In this blog, we’ll explore essential guidance for parents to ensure their child’s dental health from infancy through toddlerhood.

Introduction to Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Jogani stresses that this branch of dentistry isn’t just about treating cavities; it’s about education, prevention, and building trust with both the child and parent. Pediatric dentists undergo specialized training to understand child behavior, manage dental anxiety, and monitor growth and development of the jaw and teeth.

Getting Your Child Comfortable with a Dentist

One of the key challenges in pediatric dentistry is ensuring that children feel safe and comfortable during dental visits. Dr. Jogani notes that the first interaction with a dentist should be friendly and non-invasive. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, visiting a dentist early helps children become familiar with the environment, reducing anxiety over time.

“Dentistry is an emotional experience,” says Dr. Jogani. When children have positive early dental visits, they are less likely to associate dentistry with fear or pain. That’s why he recommends bringing your child in for a casual check-up before any serious procedures are needed.

Best Time to Take Children to the Dentist

According to Dr. Jogani, the ideal time for a child’s first dental visit is when the first tooth erupts, typically around six months of age. The first birthday is another benchmark: “First visit by the first birthday” is a rule of thumb in pediatric dentistry.

Early visits allow dentists to check for normal development, offer preventive guidance, and address any habits (like thumb sucking) that might lead to problems down the road.

What Happens in the First Dental Visit for a Baby?

The first dental visit is typically short and gentle. Dr. Jogani describes it as a “preview” of what to expect in future visits. It involves checking the gums, early teeth, and jaw development. Parents are also counseled on feeding practices, oral hygiene, and how to manage teething symptoms.

Importantly, this visit is as much for the parent as it is for the child, providing answers to common concerns and debunking myths (like the belief that baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out anyway).

Oral Care for Babies Under 1

Dr. Jogani emphasizes that oral hygiene should begin even before the first tooth erupts. For babies under one:

• Clean gums with a soft, clean, damp cloth twice daily, especially after feeding.

• As soon as the first tooth appears, start using a baby toothbrush with a rice grain–sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste.

• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this can lead to “baby bottle decay.”

These early habits can significantly reduce the risk of early childhood cavities.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

When it comes to toothbrushes, one size does not fit all. Dr. Jogani explains that parents should use age-appropriate brushes:

• For infants: soft silicone finger brushes or extra-soft baby toothbrushes.

• For toddlers: small-headed, soft-bristled manual brushes with thick handles that are easy to grip.

The brush should be replaced every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A proper technique as in gentle, circular motions is more important than force.

Importance of Electric Toothbrush for 4+ Year Olds

From the age of four, Dr. Jogani recommends transitioning children to electric toothbrushes. Why?

• They are more efficient in plaque removal, especially in children with limited motor skills.

• Many electric brushes come with built-in timers and musical cues that make brushing fun and consistent.

• They reduce parental frustration when children resist brushing or don’t do a thorough job.

He emphasizes that using an electric toothbrush can “bridge the gap” between a parent’s expectations and a child’s brushing ability.

How to Select the Best Toothbrush for Children?

Choosing the right toothbrush involves more than picking a colorful one. Dr. Jogani advises looking for:

• A small head that fits easily in the child’s mouth.

• Soft bristles to prevent enamel and gum damage.

• An ergonomic handle suitable for a child’s grip.

• For electric brushes, a kid-friendly design and low-speed oscillation.

While flashy lights and cartoon characters can make brushing more appealing, functionality and comfort should be the priority.

How to Select the Best Toothbrush for Children?

Choosing the right toothbrush involves more than picking a colorful one. Dr. Jogani advises looking for:

• A small head that fits easily in the child’s mouth.

• Soft bristles to prevent enamel and gum damage.

• An ergonomic handle suitable for a child’s grip.

• For electric brushes, a kid-friendly design and low-speed oscillation.

While flashy lights and cartoon characters can make brushing more appealing, functionality and comfort should be the priority.

Selecting the Correct Toothpaste – Fluoridated vs Non-Fluoridated

A major area of confusion for parents is whether to use fluoridated toothpaste. Dr. Jogani clears this up:

• Under 2 years: Use a rice grain–sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. At this stage, babies are still developing swallowing control, so it's safer to avoid fluoride while still introducing brushing as a habit.

• Age 2+: Begin using a smear (slightly more than a rice grain) of fluoridated toothpaste. This is when fluoride can be introduced gradually.

• Around Age 3+: Move to half a peanut–sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Children are generally better at spitting by this age.

• Age 6 and above: You can safely use a pea-sized amount of regular fluoridated toothpaste, as the child is more capable of rinsing and spitting reliably.

The amount of toothpaste matters more than the type. Whether fluoridated or not, controlling the quantity minimizes risk and maximizes protection.

To ensure safety, pediatric fluoride toothpastes are packaged in small tubes, typically 28 to 40 grams, so even if a child were to accidentally swallow an entire tube, the fluoride exposure would still fall within safe limits. “That’s intentional,” Dr. Jogani notes. “It’s designed to be within the safely tolerated dose, depending on the country you are in.”

So, should you use fluoride toothpaste for your child? Yes, but wisely. The safest approach is to follow age-specific guidelines, supervise brushing closely, and avoid overuse. In doing so, you can confidently protect your child from cavities without compromising safety.

When to Introduce an Adult Toothpaste for Children?

Dr. Jogani advises switching to adult toothpaste (typically containing 1350–1500 ppm fluoride) once the child consistently spits out toothpaste and has developed good brushing habits, usually around 6 years old.

Until then, stick with age-appropriate pastes and supervise brushing closely. The goal is to balance cavity protection with safe usage.

How Often Do We Brush Children's Teeth?

Twice a day is the gold standard:

1. Morning: After breakfast.

2. Night: After dinner and before bedtime—this is the more important one.

Dr. Jogani emphasizes not skipping the night brush: “Whatever sugars stay on the teeth overnight get metabolized by bacteria and lead to decay.”

Flossing can also be introduced once teeth begin to touch. For toddlers, this often means back molars.

Strategies to Help Children Who Resist Brushing Their Teeth

Resistance to brushing is a common parenting challenge. Dr. Jogani offers several strategies:

• Make it a game: Use songs, brushing charts, or pretend play to make the experience fun.

• Use visual aids: Show videos or storybooks about brushing.

• Model the behavior: Brush your own teeth alongside your child.

• Use role reversal: Let the child brush your teeth or a stuffed toy’s teeth.

• Allow choice: Let the child pick their toothbrush or toothpaste flavor to feel in control.

• Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward good behavior, but avoid making brushing a punishment.

One of his most effective recommendations is to set short-term goals and give children a sense of control.

“Don’t make long-term goals,” says Dr. Jogani. “Make a weekly goal.”

Here’s how you can put this into action:

• Create a brushing chart and stick it up somewhere visible in the bathroom—ideally on the door or a nearby wall.

• The chart should include all days of the week (Monday to Sunday) and two symbols for each day: a sun for the morning brush and a moon for the night brush.

• After each successful brushing session, let the child tick the symbol themselves. This small act gives them a sense of independence and accountability.

Most importantly, stay calm and consistent. It may take time, but regular routines and encouragement will pay off.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your child’s teeth isn’t just about avoiding cavities, it’s about building healthy habits for life. By starting early, visiting a pediatric dentist proactively, and creating a fun, educational approach to oral hygiene, parents can ensure their children grow up with strong, confident smiles.