Early oral care in infancy can shape a healthy adult smile for life

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
ANKARA, TURKEY — Healthy and attractive smiles are shaped not only in adulthood but from the earliest years of life, beginning with oral care habits established in infancy.

Pediatric dentist Nurgül Demir says protecting oral and dental health from the baby years is one of the most important steps toward a healthy, functional and aesthetic smile later in life. According to experts, proper oral care habits gained during childhood do more than protect baby teeth; they can also influence jaw development, permanent tooth alignment and the appearance of the adult smile.

Oral care should begin before problems appear

Many parents may think dental care becomes important only after all baby teeth have erupted. Specialists say this is a common mistake.

Oral hygiene should begin early, even before a child can brush independently. Once the first teeth begin to appear, the mouth becomes more vulnerable to food residues, milk residues and bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay.

Demir said baby teeth should not be seen as temporary teeth that can be ignored. They play an important role in chewing, speech development, jaw growth and guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions.

For this reason, oral care in infancy should be treated as part of routine child health, just like nutrition, sleep and vaccination follow-up.

Breast milk is valuable, but cleaning still matters

Breast milk has an important place in infant growth and development. However, once teeth begin to erupt, oral hygiene after feeding becomes more important.

Demir warned that milk residues left in the mouth, especially after nighttime breastfeeding, may create conditions that support tooth decay if cleaning is neglected.

She said a simple routine can make a meaningful difference. Giving the baby a small amount of water after feeding or gently wiping the inside of the mouth with a clean, moist gauze can help support oral hygiene.

“Breast milk is very valuable, but after teeth come in, oral cleaning should not be neglected. Even a simple cleaning routine can be effective in preventing cavities,” Demir said.

The goal is not to create anxiety around breastfeeding, but to help families understand that feeding and oral hygiene should be considered together once teeth appear.

Natural sweeteners can still raise cavity risk

During the complementary feeding period, families often prefer natural products such as honey, molasses and carob extract. Because these foods are natural, they may be viewed as harmless.

Demir cautioned that “natural” does not always mean risk-free for teeth. These products contain sugar and should be used carefully, especially in babies and toddlers.

Experts warn that dipping a pacifier in honey or molasses, sweetening a bottle, or using sugary foods to help a baby fall asleep may increase the risk of early childhood cavities.

“Being natural does not always mean being innocent. Because they contain sugar, these products should also be used in a controlled way,” Demir said.

Early childhood cavities may begin with small stains or discoloration on the teeth, but they can progress to pain, infection, feeding difficulties and premature loss of baby teeth if left untreated.

For parents, the key message is simple: the frequency and timing of sugary exposure matter as much as the type of food.

Bottle and pacifier use should not continue too long

Bottles and pacifiers can be helpful in infancy, but long-term use may affect both tooth health and jaw development.

Experts recommend limiting bottle use after the age of 1 and ending pacifier use around 18 months when possible. If these habits continue for too long, they may contribute to dental alignment problems, bite issues and jaw development concerns.

Demir said prolonged bottle and pacifier use can negatively affect both oral health and the development of the jaws.

Nighttime bottle use is especially important. When a child falls asleep with milk, formula or sweetened liquids in the mouth, teeth may remain exposed to sugars for a long period. This can increase the risk of cavities, particularly in the front teeth.

Long-term pacifier habits may also influence the shape of the dental arches and the way upper and lower teeth meet. In some children, these changes may later require orthodontic treatment.

Parents do not need to stop these habits abruptly in every case, but they should plan a gradual transition and seek guidance from a pediatric dentist when needed.

Brushing should start with the first tooth

Families should not wait until all baby teeth have erupted before starting toothbrushing.

The first baby teeth usually begin to appear between 6 and 12 months of age. Demir said this period is the right time to begin a regular brushing routine with an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by a pediatric dentist.

“Oral care and toothbrushing routines should begin with the first tooth. A brushing habit gained at an early age continues to affect oral health throughout life,” Demir said.

In the early years, children cannot brush effectively on their own. Parents should brush for them or assist them until the child develops the motor skills needed for proper brushing.

The routine should be calm, gentle and consistent. Turning brushing into a positive daily habit can make it easier for children to accept oral care as a normal part of life.

Parents should also avoid using adult-sized toothbrushes or unsuitable products. A pediatric dentist can recommend the appropriate brush, toothpaste amount and technique according to the child’s age and risk level.

Early loss of baby teeth can affect permanent teeth

Baby teeth are temporary, but their effects are long-lasting.

Untreated cavities can progress and lead to early loss of baby teeth. When a baby tooth is lost before its natural time, neighboring teeth may move into the empty space. This can reduce the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt properly.

Demir warned that early loss of baby teeth can directly affect permanent tooth alignment and may create a basis for orthodontic problems.

Crowding, bite disorders and jaw alignment issues may appear in later years if space loss occurs in the dental arch. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct these problems.

This is why parents should not ignore decay in baby teeth with the idea that “they will fall out anyway.” Treating cavities early can protect the child’s comfort, nutrition, speech and future dental structure.

Routine dental visits protect the future smile

Experts say families should not wait for pain, swelling, cavities or visible dental problems before taking a child to the dentist.

Regular dental check-ups every six months can help detect problems early, monitor tooth eruption, evaluate brushing habits and guide parents on nutrition and oral care.

Demir said routine visits allow precautions to be taken before teeth “raise the alarm” and help protect the smile that the child will carry into adulthood.

During these visits, the dentist can assess cavity risk, jaw development, bottle and pacifier habits, oral hygiene and the need for preventive treatments. Families can also receive age-specific guidance on brushing, toothpaste use and diet.

Early dental visits also help children become familiar with the dental environment. This can reduce fear and make future dental care easier.

Oral care gained in infancy does not only protect today’s baby teeth. It helps build the foundation for healthy permanent teeth, balanced jaw development and a confident adult smile.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dental diagnosis or treatment. Parents should consult a pediatric dentist or dentist for guidance on their child’s oral health, dental care products and treatment needs.

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