How do you make sure your child has healthy teeth? A question that many parents ask themselves. However, regular dental care actually starts before the first tooth comes through. When the first tooth breaks through, it's time to brush twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and an amount of children's toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Make sure that the toothpaste does not taste too sweet. This will minimise the risk of your child swallowing the toothpaste.

And what about the diet? Low-sugar snacks are the key to healthy teeth. Parents should therefore always be aware of hidden sugars in food. Sounds complicated and stressful? Don't worry, with the right dental care and an awareness of healthy eating, you can lay the foundation for lifelong dental health. 

The most important facts summarised in advance:

• Start with dental care before the first tooth appears. Use a soft toothbrush.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste in a rice grain-sized amount for children under two years old.

• Low-sugar snacks such as fruit and vegetables are ideal for healthy teeth.

• Parents should brush their children's teeth until the little ones can do it on their own.

• Regular visits to the dentist and the right fluoride supply are crucial for healthy teeth.

First steps in dental care for babies and toddlers

There are a few things to bear in mind when starting dental care for babies and toddlers. Even before the first tooth breaks through, we can use gentle massages in the mouth area to get the baby used to care. As soon as the first tooth is visible, regular dental care begins: twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Why is this important? Early familiarisation with dental hygiene lays the foundation for healthy teeth later in life. Choosing the right toothbrush can make all the difference. A child-friendly, small brush with soft bristles is ideal. Products such as our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush can also be a suitable option for children.

As a parent, you play a big role by brushing your child's teeth and making sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly. It's like a dance: we teach the little ones and gradually let them learn the steps themselves. But what do we do when teething causes discomfort? Cool teething rings or gentle gum massages can provide relief.

And what about toothpaste? It is important that it does not taste too sweet to prevent accidental swallowing. The right amount is crucial: up to the age of two, a rice grain-sized amount is sufficient.

And what about the diet? Avoid high-sugar snacks. Instead, fruit and vegetables are a great choice to keep your teeth healthy.

Another plus: regular check-ups at the dentist help to recognise problems at an early stage.

Tooth-healthy snacks for small children

When you think about what helps your child keep their teeth healthy, snacks may not immediately spring to mind. But choosing the right snacks plays a surprisingly big role in dental care for babies and toddlers. Who would have thought that an apple is so much more than just a snack?

1. Fruit such as apples or pears: not only are they delicious, they also stimulate salivation, which protects the teeth.

2. Vegetables, especially carrots and celery: These are rich in fibre and help to clean teeth naturally.

3. Cheese: It neutralises acids in the mouth and provides calcium, which is crucial for strong teeth.

4. Natural yoghurt: Without added sugar, it is an excellent source of calcium and probiotics.

5. Nuts: In small quantities and well chewed, they provide healthy fats and vitamins.

6. Drink plenty of water: It washes away leftovers and is the best alternative to sugary drinks.

Beware of hidden sugar traps in processed snacks. And what about bottles and breastfeeding? Very long sucking times, especially at night, can lead to tooth decay, so don't forget to schedule regular visits to the dentist. An early check-up can help you to recognise and prevent potential problems.

Prevention of dental problems

To prevent dental problems, it is important to start early with dental care for babies and toddlers. A soft toothbrush should be used from the very first tooth. It is best for parents to brush children's teeth together with their little ones to show them how to do it properly.

What about the diet? Low-sugar foods help to keep teeth healthy. We all know how quickly sugar creeps into our children's everyday lives. So watch out for hidden sugar traps and always prefer to offer fresh snacks, even if they take much more time and effort to prepare.

Fluoride also plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. A rice grain-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste is completely sufficient for the youngest children. From the second birthday onwards, a pea-sized amount can be used. That sounds simple, doesn't it?

And why is a visit to the dentist so important? We can recognise potential problems at an early stage. Nobody wants to see the dentist more often than necessary. But the earlier we take care of dental health, the fewer worries we'll have later on.

What to do if your child is constantly sucking their thumb? This habit can affect tooth and jaw development. Bottles and dummies are just as essential, but prolonged sucking can be problematic. It's best to put the bottle away after drinking.

A balance of loving care and a healthy diet is the key to healthy teeth. This keeps teeth strong and visits to the dentist as relaxed as possible.

Conclusion: Optimal dental care for babies and toddlers

The path to the best dental care for babies and toddlers often begins before the first tooth appears. Firstly, we should focus on gentle mouth movements to get the little ones used to brushing their teeth - this is the first step towards healthy teeth. From the moment the first tooth breaks through, we should brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Another aspect we should not forget is our little ones' diet. Low sugar snacks are key. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not only delicious, but also help to keep teeth healthy. However, hidden sugars in food, such as fructose, can be treacherous. It is therefore always worth taking a closer look at the ingredients.

When should we start our first visit to the dentist? Early on! Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for recognising any problems at an early stage. This routine gives us peace of mind and helps to monitor our children's dental health. Together with a balanced diet and proper care, we ensure a bright smile and healthy teeth that last a lifetime. After all, it is our job, the job of adults, to lay the foundations for the dental health of our little ones.