Is that noise in the night teeth grinding?

Is that noise in the night teeth grinding?

by | Jan 27, 2025 | Mouthguard, Splints & Trays, Oral Conditions and Issues, Oral Health Children, Oral Links to General Health

Your kid’s asleep, but you hear them make a subtle sound—a faint grinding. Are you imagining things? Probably not! If you’ve heard this sound coming from your child, you’re in good company. Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects up to 40% of children, and while that nighttime noise might seem concerning, understanding its causes can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health.

Grinding away oral health

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, a behaviour commonly seen in children, especially during sleep—a condition referred to as sleep bruxism. While occasional teeth grinding is considered normal and often harmless, persistent bruxism can have more serious consequences. Over time, it can wear down tooth enamel, cause discomfort such as jaw pain, and even disrupt your child’s sleep quality.

Why quality sleep is essential for your child

Every night of deep sleep fuels your child’s growth, strengthens their immune system, and powers their brain development—from processing new skills to storing memories and managing emotions. During these crucial hours of rest, their body repairs tissues, releases growth hormones, and builds the mental foundations for tomorrow’s learning and adventures.
When teeth grinding disrupts this vital process, it creates a chain reaction that affects more than just dental health. The constant muscle tension and micro-awakenings from grinding can prevent your child from reaching the deep sleep stages where most physical and mental restoration occurs. This disruption might show up as:

  • Morning headaches or jaw soreness
  • Daytime fatigue and irritability
  • Difficulty focusing in school
  • Weakened immune response
  • Changes in appetite and mood
  • Reduced physical energy

By addressing teeth grinding early, you help protect your child’s teeth and overall development. Quality sleep gives them the foundation they need to grow, learn, and thrive, making daily activities and challenges more manageable.

Teeth grinding

Why do kids grind their teeth?

Understanding why your child grinds their teeth is key to finding effective solutions. Here are the common factors:

Emotional factors

Stress and anxiety are major triggers for teeth grinding. Children may grind their teeth unconsciously as a way of coping with emotional challenges, such as school pressures, social difficulties, or significant changes at home. This grinding often occurs during sleep as their body attempts to manage stress.

Physical causes

Teeth grinding in children is frequently linked to physical factors, including:

Dental development: As children’s teeth and jaws grow, occasional grinding may occur as their body naturally works to align their bite. This is often temporary and resolves once their teeth and jaws are properly aligned.

Bite misalignment: If a child’s teeth don’t fit together properly, it can put strain on the jaw muscles, causing grinding. The body may try to correct this imbalance unconsciously, leading to nighttime grinding.

Jaw size and breathing difficulty: In some cases, a child’s jaw size may contribute to difficulty breathing, especially during sleep. A smaller or misaligned jaw may restrict airflow, leading to mouth breathing or snoring, which can trigger grinding as the body attempts to find a more comfortable position during sleep.

Medical conditions: Conditions like sleep apnoea or ADHD are known to increase the risk of bruxism. Sleep apnoea, for example, disrupts breathing during sleep, causing the body to compensate by grinding teeth. Similarly, children with ADHD may experience heightened muscle activity, contributing to teeth grinding.

Physical causes

Signs your child may be grinding their teeth

Parents often wonder how to spot bruxism, especially since it primarily occurs at night. Watch for these signs:

  • A grinding or clenching sound while your child sleeps.
  • Complaints of jaw pain, ear pain, or discomfort upon waking.
  • Worn-down teeth or increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
  • Unexplained headaches, particularly in the morning.
  • Disrupted sleep patterns, frequent waking, or restlessness.
  • Cheek biting or indentations on the inner cheeks caused by grinding.
  • Increased irritability or tiredness during the day due to poor sleep quality.

    Long-term effects of teeth grinding?

    Occasional grinding may not be a cause for concern, but persistent bruxism can have serious consequences over time, including:

    Tooth damage: Excessive wear, cracks, or enamel loss, which can lead to cavities or the need for restorative dental treatments.

    Jaw problems: Jaw soreness or more serious conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) that can cause difficulty chewing or speaking.

    Headaches: Repeated grinding creates tension in the jaw muscles, often leading to recurring tension headaches or migraines.

    Sleep disruption: Bruxism can interfere with your child’s sleep, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating during the day.

    Gum or soft tissue damage: Prolonged grinding can sometimes irritate or damage the surrounding gums or soft tissues./p>

      Dental assessment

      What can you do about it?

      Professional care options

      Dental assessment: A visit to the dentist is essential for identifying bruxism early. During regular check-ups, your dentist can:

      • Assess tooth wear patterns and identify potential damage from grinding.
      • Evaluate jaw alignment and overall function to pinpoint any misalignments contributing to grinding.
      • Detect early signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, which may arise from persistent grinding.
      • Based on their findings, your dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

      Custom protection: For children with ongoing grinding issues, your dentist may suggest:

      • Custom-fitted night guards: These mouthpieces help protect teeth from the damaging effects of grinding during sleep.
      • Dental appliances: Special devices can help guide proper jaw alignment, reducing strain and preventing grinding.
      • Ongoing monitoring: As your child grows, their dental needs may change. Regular follow-ups will ensure their treatment plan stays aligned with their development.
      custom fit

      Home care strategies

      Creating a calming environment: Encourage relaxation before bedtime to reduce stress and help your child sleep peacefully:

      • Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal it’s time to wind down.
      • Dim the lights at least an hour before sleep to promote natural sleep signals.
      • Use white noise or calming music to help create a peaceful sleep environment.
      • Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable to foster restful sleep.

      Stress relief techniques: For children who grind their teeth due to stress or anxiety, here are some gentle methods to promote relaxation:

      • Introduce breathing exercises to help your child relax before bed.
      • Encourage gentle stretching or calming activities like reading to ease stress.
      • Keep an open dialogue with your child, allowing them to express worries and offering comfort when needed.

      Lifestyle Adjustments: A few key lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce teeth grinding:

      • Limit screen time before bed to avoid overstimulation.
      • Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks in the evening, as they can disrupt sleep.
      • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate their body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
      • Ensure your child is getting enough physical activity during the day to promote restful sleep at night.

      Working with healthcare providers

      Coordinated care: Addressing bruxism effectively may require a team approach. Your child’s healthcare providers may include:

      • Regular dental checkups to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.
      • Paediatrician consultations to rule out any underlying health conditions contributing to bruxism.
      • Sleep specialist evaluation, if sleep-related issues are suspected.
      • Behavioural therapy for stress management and coping strategies.
      child oral health journey

        Supporting your child’s oral health journey

        Taking the time to understand your child’s health, which you are doing right now, is a commendable step toward their well-being. Teeth grinding, while concerning, is often a manageable phase of childhood. With early attention and proper care, most children move past it without lasting effects.

        The key to getting through this smoothly is taking action when you notice grinding:

        • Consult your child’s dentist for professional guidance
        • Implement recommended home care strategies
        • Monitor your child’s response to treatment
        • Stay consistent with preventive dental visits

        Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Your dental care team is ready to help ensure your little one maintains a healthy smile and gets restful sleep. With the right support and attention, your child can thrive—both day and night.

        How our oral health affects our overall wellbeing

        How our oral health affects our overall wellbeing

        by | Oct 4, 2024 | News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Risk Factors

        How our oral health could make or break us

        Our bodies function as complex, interconnected systems, where each part influences the others. Close attention to how oral health impacts chronic diseases has resulted in increasingly clear research findings. More and more studies now demonstrate the connection between the condition of our mouths and our general health. You may have even seen this link highlighted in the recent Australian Dental Association’s statement on oral and systemic disease. Oral health is now understood to impact the entire body, from your heart and your metabolism, right through to the health of your brain.

        Poor oral health could even be considered as increasing one’s risk of an early death. Given it is associated with an increase in one’s likelihood of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, it really cannot be neglected. Evidence suggests it’s a two-way street, since poor oral health can exacerbate chronic diseases, while chronic diseases can increase the risk of dental problems. Just like an airplane needs both its wings to soar, we rely on excellent oral and overall health for a long and happy life.

        What’s the oral-systemic connection?

        There are three ways in which oral health connects to chronic diseases. Direct impacts, indirect impacts, and shared risk factors each reveal different ways the condition of one’s mouth is closely linked to their overall health.

        Direct impact

        This occurs when chronic illnesses or their treatments directly influence oral health, and vice versa. For instance, diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, can lead to high blood sugar levels, creating an environment that promotes gum inflammation (periodontitis). This is because excess sugar in the blood can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of infection and gum disease. On the flip side, untreated gum disease leads to chronic inflammation that can spread throughout the body. This systemic inflammation makes it harder for the body to respond to insulin, exacerbating diabetes and leading to a vicious cycle of worsening oral and overall health.

        Indirect impact

        Oral health and chronic diseases can also affect one another indirectly through treatments, medications, and lifestyle factors. Many people with chronic conditions take medications, but these can have unintended side effects on oral health. For example, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and certain cancer treatments can cause dry mouth (xerostomia). When saliva production decreases, there’s less natural protection against harmful bacteria, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

        Moreover, oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or missing teeth can make it difficult to chew, which may limit someone’s ability to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Poor nutrition can further worsen chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or digestive disorders, creating a negative feedback loop where one problem worsens the other.

        Shared risk factors

        Many oral health issues and chronic diseases share common lifestyle habits and risk factors that can harm both areas. Smoking is a well-known cause of gum disease and tooth loss, but it’s also a major risk factor for chronic illnesses like heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Smokers are more likely to have inflamed gums, increased plaque buildup, and a weakened immune response, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Quitting smoking can significantly improve both oral health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

        A diet high in sugar contributes to tooth decay and gum disease, as well as being a key factor in the development of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Cutting down on sugar can improve your oral health and overall well-being, reducing your chances of developing chronic diseases. Likewise, a nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can support healthy teeth and gums while reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

        Is your oral microbiome your friend or foe?

        Your oral microbiome is the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that naturally make their home in the various parts of your mouth. Under normal conditions, these microbes coexist harmoniously, playing a role in maintaining oral health by aiding digestion and protecting against harmful pathogens.

        However, when the balance of these microbes is disrupted—whether through poor oral hygiene, diet, or other factors—it leads to a state called dysbiosis. This imbalance can result in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection, such as gum disease (periodontitis), and can weaken the body’s ability to fight off other health threats.

        Dysbiosis in the mouth doesn’t just stay localised—it can have far-reaching effects on overall health. Research has increasingly linked oral microbial imbalances to serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

        oral microbiome

        Which common chronic diseases are linked to oral health?

        Heart disease: Gum disease (periodontal disease) triggers inflammation, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Conversely, heart disease can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to gum infections.

        Diabetes: There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, which can worsen gum disease. In turn, the chronic inflammation from gum disease makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, complicating diabetes management.

        Alzheimer’s disease: Emerging research indicates a potential link between chronic gum infections and Alzheimer’s disease. The inflammatory response caused by gum disease may contribute to cognitive decline, though this connection is still under investigation.

        Respiratory illness: Poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria from the mouth to be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

        Mental health: Chronic dental pain and discomfort can significantly impact mental health, contributing to conditions like anxiety and depression. Additionally, concerns about bad breath, tooth appearance, or other oral health issues can negatively affect self-esteem and social interactions.

        Obesity: Obesity is associated with increased systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate gum disease. Additionally, poor dietary habits linked to obesity, such as high sugar consumption, contribute to oral health issues like tooth decay and gum inflammation.

        Cancer: There is evidence to suggest a link between poor oral health and certain types of cancer, particularly oral cancers like squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic gum inflammation play significant roles in this connection.

        diabetes

        What’s the mechanism of the impact?

        Hormone production: Inflammation in the mouth can interfere with the production of essential hormones, including enzymes like salivary amylase, which aid in digestion. This disruption may impair the body’s ability to properly break down food and absorb nutrients, impacting overall health.

        Metabolic syndrome: Chronic inflammation from gum disease can exacerbate insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic syndrome. This condition involves a combination of health issues, such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

        Gut microbiome: The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in influencing the balance of bacteria in the gut. Maintaining a healthy oral environment can support gut health, potentially lowering the risk of metabolic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes by preventing harmful bacteria from disrupting gut flora.

        Immune system: Poor oral health can lead to chronic inflammation, which places ongoing stress on the immune system. This weakened immune response can make the body more vulnerable to infections and systemic health problems beyond the mouth.

        Simple steps to impeccable oral health

        Maintaining outstanding oral health can significantly improve your overall health and quality of life. It’s worth the effort!

        Brush and floss daily: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once daily to remove plaque and bacteria between teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

        Regular dental checkups: Schedule routine dental visits every six months to catch and address issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral infections, before they worsen.

        Eat a balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can fuel the growth of harmful bacteria and lead to cavities and gum problems.

        Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, while staying hydrated supports saliva production, which is essential for maintaining a healthy oral environment.

        Eat a balanced diet

        Use fluoride: Incorporate fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash into your oral care routine. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

        Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers. Quitting smoking is a win-win: it benefits your oral health and your overall physical health.

        Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production. This helps neutralise acids and wash away food particles, protecting your teeth between brushings.

        Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can dry out the mouth and erode enamel, increasing the risk of gum disease and oral infections. Moderating alcohol intake helps protect both your mouth and body.

        Incorporating these habits can help protect your smile and support your overall health.

        Your healthy smile makes for a healthier you

        Caring for your oral health goes so much further than giving you a beautiful smile—it’s a truly valuable commitment to your overall well-being. It’s an essential part of proper self-care that simply can’t be neglected. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are simple practices, yet they can protect your teeth, nurture your body, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. If living a long and fulfilling life is important to you, then a great oral health routine is well worth the effort.

        When you prioritise your oral health, you invest in your confidence, vitality, and peace of mind for life. So, keep smiling, cherish each moment, and take pride in your healthy smile which underpins your bright future!

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        by | Apr 8, 2024 | News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        For the longest time, cancer research has focused on on genetic mutations and environmental factors in its search for preventative treatments and cures. But recently, scientists have uncovered a surprising culprit which may increase cancer growth and help it spread: bacteria. One bacterium in particular, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), which originates in the oral cavity, has been linked to increased risk of cancers in the mouth and far beyond.

        What is F. nucleatum?

        F. nucleatum is a cigar-shaped bacteria which is a common resident of the mouth, throat and intestine. While typically harmless, this anaerobic bacteria has been found in higher levels in tumours of the colon, breast, head and neck. This finding has researchers wondering: is F. nucleatum just a bystander in cancer, or does it actively contribute to the disease?

        Cancers linked to F. nucleatum

        Colorectal cancer: Research has consistently shown a strong association between F. nucleatum and colorectal cancer. In fact, a recent study even identified a specific subtype of F. nucleatum known as Animalis, which is particularly linked to more aggressive forms of colorectal tumours.

        Oral cancer: F. nucleatum is commonly found in large quantities within biofilms that coat oral squamous cell carcinomas, indicating a potential involvement in the development of oral cancer.

        Breast cancer: The acceleration of tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells (metastasis) in breast cancer cases has also been shown to have a connection with an abundance of F. nucleatum.

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        How does F. nucleatum promote cancer?

        Researchers are still piecing together the exact mechanisms, but several theories suggest how F. nucleatum can contribute to cancer development:

        Boosting cell growth: F. nucleatum has the ability to interact with our cells in a way that accelerates their growth and prevents them from undergoing natural cell death processes. This abnormal stimulation of cell growth can contribute to the formation of tumours.

        Breast cancer: The acceleration of tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells (metastasis) in breast cancer cases has also been shown to have a connection with an abundance of F. nucleatum.

        Causing inflammation: When F. nucleatum is present, it triggers our body to release substances that lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known factor in cancer development, as it creates an environment that supports the growth and spread of cancerous cells.

        Dodging the immune system: The bacterium has the clever ability to deceive our immune system, impairing its effectiveness in recognising and eliminating cancer cells. By evading the immune response, Fusobacterium nucleatum provides an advantage to cancer cells, allowing them to thrive and proliferate.

        Assisting in tumour spread: F. nucleatum plays a role in facilitating the spread of cancer cells by aiding in their invasion of nearby tissues. It achieves this by breaking down barriers between cells and promoting the movement of cancer cells to other parts of the body. This capability enhances the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of cancer.

        These are just some of the ways F. nucleatum might be working behind the scenes in cancer development. Research is still ongoing, but the link between this bacterium and cancer is becoming increasingly clear.

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        Is everyone with F. nucleatum at risk of cancer?

        Having F. nucleatum doesn’t guarantee you’ll get cancer. Many factors contribute to cancer development, and F. nucleatum might be one piece of the puzzle. Additionally, the exact mechanisms at play are still being explored in ongoing research.

        Right now, F. nucleatum isn’t used for routine cancer screening. However, understanding this connection might lead to new diagnostic tools to identify cancers harbouring this bacterium. Additionally, researchers are exploring the possibility of targeting F. nucleatum with antibiotics or developing vaccines to prevent its colonisation in tumours.

        What can you do?

        While there’s no single action to eliminate cancer risk from F. nucleatum, here are some general steps that can promote good health:

        Oral hygiene routine: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices like diligent brushing and flossing can help reduce the overall burden of bad bacteria in the mouth.

        Regular dental care: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent gum disease, a breeding ground for F. nucleatum. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference.

        Oral pathogen tests: A few dental clinics now offer advanced oral pathogen screanning and tests to identify specific bacteria in your mouth. These tests can provide more targeted information about your oral health and may help your dentist develop a more personalised treatment plan.

        Prioritise preventive care: Regular checkups with your doctor allow for early detection of various cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes.

        Embrace a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, can significantly reduce your overall cancer risk.

        Consider probiotics: Probiotics may help create a more balanced gut microbiome, potentially reducing the growth of harmful bacteria like F. nucleatum.

        How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

        Healthy habits, healthy you

        In light of ongoing research on the connection between F. nucleatum and cancer, the significance of a holistic approach to overall health is clearer than ever. Prioritising good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle helps us build a strong foundation to fight off potential health problems. After all, a healthy body is naturally better at defending itself against health challenges. So, make great oral care habits part of your lifestyle—it’ll help you become a stronger, more resilient version of yourself!

        Consider talking to your dentist or doctor about your specific risk factors and how to maintain optimal health.

        How does the oral mucosa protect you from viruses and bacteria?

        How does the oral mucosa protect you from viruses and bacteria?

        by | Apr 11, 2022 | Oral Health, Oral Hygiene Care, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Prevention

        What is the mucous membrane?

        The mucous membrane is a moist mucosal layer that lines cavities within the body. In fact, the mucous membrane extends throughout the body and protects all internal surfaces that are exposed to air, microbes and foreign matter (i.e. dust, food & beverages). These areas include the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tracts.

        This viscous lining is kept permanently moist by goblet cells that store and secrete mucins. These mucins form the protective mucous layer known as the mucous membrane.

        What is the oral mucosa?

        The oral mucosa, also called the oral mucous membrane, is the mucous membrane that lines the oral cavity specifically. This includes the mouth, tongue, inner cheeks, nasal passages and pharynx.

        The essential ‘barrier’ immunity function of the oral mucosa

        The oral mucosa has a number of protective functions. For example, it protects soft tissues from the mechanical forces of contraction, expansion and shearing when you talk, chew and swallow. It also contains receptors with sensory functions (e.g. the tongue mucosa contains taste buds).

        However, the most essential protective function of the oral mucosa is that it acts as your body’s first line of immune defence against oral pathogens and viruses.

        Your oral mucosal immune system functions as a barrier or ‘wall’ that separates oral bacteria and viruses from underlying soft tissue (or the serous membrane) thereby preventing infection, bacterial pathogenesis and disease.

        Keep your oral mucosa moist through adequate hydration

        If you’re thirsty and your lips are dry, there’s a good chance your oral mucosa is too. Keep your oral mucosa moist by drinking adequate amounts of water to maintain hydration.

        Best cleaning tools to remove plaque in infants & toddlers (3 months-3 years)

        Best cleaning tools to remove plaque in infants & toddlers (3 months-3 years)

        by | Nov 26, 2021 | Oral Health Children, Oral Hygiene Care, Prevention

        You might think that removing plaque happens automatically with brushing their teeth. But not all parents clean their child’s teeth and gums in equal measure. Some opt for a quick light brush and miss the hidden plaque behind teeth. Other more scrupulous parents ensure that 100% of tooth and gum surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with the right cleaning tools – and inspected for missed plaque with a dental mirror! Not surprisingly, it’s the latter group that that has the right attitude towards brushing their child’s teeth – it’s all about removing bacterial plaque every time, wherever it may be in the mouth.

        Oral cleaning tools for infant teeth and gums 3-12 months old

        Starting oral care for your infant can begin well before their first teeth appear. When your child turns 3 months old, you can gently wipe their gum surfaces with a clean, moist pad, finger gauze or cotton-gauze baby oral cleaner swabs – in the mornings and evenings. Gum care, especially along the gum line where primary teeth are emerging, keeps gums clean and healthy. Check other oral surfaces behind the lips, between the inner cheeks and gums. You’d be surprised by what you can find. Infant tongues need cleaning too with a baby tongue cleaner. Give them a quick sip of some water to wash away dislodged plaque and food residue still remaining in the mouth after you’ve completed cleaning. Drinking lots of water during the day keeps their mouths clean too.

        When the first teeth pop up, start using a soft, infant toothbrush or silicone finger toothbrush with water to clean them. You can purchase a wide range of age-specific infant teeth & gum cleaning products from your supermarket or chemist. If your child resists a toothbrush at first, make a slower transition and continue using the moist pad or gauze technique to wipe clean 100% of the surfaces of each individual tooth. Don’t miss their gum line and make it fun with song and games. Your child will look forward to brushing their daily oral care and hygiene routine.

        Oral cleaning tools for toddlers teeth and gums 1-3 years old

        Toddlers need to have their teeth cleaned twice daily – morning and night – just like everyone else. And they will need your help and supervision while they’re doing it. They’ll be using a toothbrush with water until they reach 18 months after which they brush with a small dab of low-fluoride toothpaste. Focus on cleaning each tooth with 360 degree coverage of tooth surfaces. Young toddlers probably won’t spit or rinse when told, so gently wipe away excess toothpaste residue, but leave a thin smear on teeth for its fluoride benefits. By about the age of 2, your toddler should be able to hold the brush while you their hand and guide it in all the right brushing angles and motions.

        Stand in front of the bathroom mirror so you can both see into their mouth. You can try cupping their chin for better stability. In effect, you are being a puppeteer and controlling their movements while they get to hold the toothbrush. Angle bristles appropriately to remove plaque from the front, back and between the teeth. To remove plaque build-up from the gum line, angle bristles towards this area and brush in an expanding circular motion to incrementally “shave” off plaque. Make sure you ease the toothbrush off a little when it comes in contact with gum tissue, so as not to cause irritation. Let them hold the tongue cleaner while you guide their hand movements and start teaching them to spit.

        New dental technology can benefit toddlers once they’ve got the hang of manual brushing. Infant electric toothbrushes with timers are very effective cleaning tools but a toddler has to unlearn their manual brushing technique to use them. Electric toothbrush are held in a stationary position and moved across each tooth – tooth by tooth. Always store their toothbrush away from other brushes and allow to air dry. Cross bacterial contamination with older family member’s toothbrushes can introduce new bacterial species into your child’s oral cavity. Replace brush or brush heads every 3-4 months.