Oral Care for Littles
As a provider for children, I always encouraged families to begin oral care for their child, the younger the better. Can you guess what the number one questions I always get in response? You guessed it, "Why does my child need oral care when they do not have any teeth?"
I then phrase the conversation like this, "An elderly person does not always have teeth, but we continue to encourage them to complete oral care, so why not do the same for our babies?" The elderly often have dentures and even then they may not use them. In result, they may not have any form of dentition. As I said before, Babies begin consuming some kind of nutrition. Therefore, oral care is very important.
Oral care does not look the same for all ages. In infants/babies without teeth, oral care may be using a wet wash cloth on their gums, tongue, under their tongue, roof of their mouth, and even lips. A finger tooth brush can also be used. Once the infant/child begins to get teeth, a wash cloth and finger toothbrush may be dangerous for the primary care person... ouch! At this point, a traditional toothbrush can be introduced and/or a vibrating toothbrush. Water and baby toothpaste should be used until the child can learn to spit. No one should consume fluoride in large amounts!
Most solids/liquids that are consumed orally leave some kind of residue. That residue is what can be removed using the oral care products. This can be completed 2-3 times a day just like an average person brushes their own teeth.
WHY ARE VIBRATING TOOTHBRUSHES/TEETHERS AFFECTIVE?
The vibrating toothbrush and teethers will not only assist in oral care, but oral awareness. The vibrating wand helps to stimulate parts of the mouth that the child isn't fully aware of yet. The wand should be used in all parts of the child's mouth, including the under their tongue, inside of their cheeks, and roof of their mouth.
The vibrating teethers are often used for comfort for a child who is beginning to develop teeth. The vibrating sensation assists to increase oral awareness and facial muscle tone. Vibrating teethers that are BPA-free are limited.
WHY IS ORAL AWARENESS AND FACIAL MUSCLE TONE IMPORTANT TO MY BABY?
Both oral awareness and facial muscle tone account for the child's ability to consume anything orally. Swallowing, chewing, etc are all coordinated movements that take time to learn. By making your child more aware of these skills, their transition to purees and solids can be made more smooth.
Your child will gag, especially when beginning this process, but by introducing oral care early our goal is to help reduce gagging as they get older.
IS IT TOO LATE TO INTRODUCE ORAL CARE?
It Is never too late to begin introducing oral care. The earlier the better, but never too late. Oral care is also addressed during speech and language evaluations, as well as occupational therapy. Both services can produce oral care to a degree to support your child. If you have questions or you are concerned about your child's overall oral care, please contact me for more help!
Follow my next blog post about gagging vs choking!