When you’re chasing a toddler around, wiping sticky hands, and trying to remember if anyone brushed their teeth today, dental care can feel like one more thing on a full plate. But if you’ve got a little one at home, it’s worth knowing that tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in young kids, and it can start much earlier than most parents expect. It even has a name: early childhood caries, or ECC. And while that might sound like something you'd only hear in a dental textbook, it's something we see in our office more often than we’d like.
The good news is that you don’t need a medical degree to prevent it. Just a few consistent, manageable habits can go a long way in keeping your child’s smile healthy right from the start. Continue below to learn more.
What Is Early Childhood Caries?
In plain terms, ECC is tooth decay in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It often appears on the upper front teeth first, but can affect any baby tooth. The leading cause, of course, is sugars—especially when they linger on teeth over time. It doesn’t matter if that sugar comes from juice, milk, or gummy vitamins—when it sits on teeth, the bacteria in the mouth go to work, producing acid that wears down enamel. And once that process starts, it doesn’t stop on its own.
Start Before the First Tooth
You don’t need to wait until teeth are visible to start good oral hygiene. After feedings, you can start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. It helps reduce bacteria and gets your little one used to the routine. Once a tooth pops through, switch to a soft baby toothbrush with a tiny smear (rice grain size) of fluoride toothpaste. When used correctly, fluoride is safe and incredibly helpful in preventing cavities.
Bedtime Bottles and Sippy Cups: What to Watch
We get it—sometimes, a bottle or sippy cup at bedtime is the only thing standing between your child and sleep. But it’s worth trying to wean away from milk or juice right before bed, especially if your child falls asleep while drinking. Milk and juice contain natural sugars that can pool around teeth overnight, giving bacteria plenty of time to do damage. If your little one needs something to fall asleep, try offering water in a bottle or cup instead.
Snacking Habits Matter
Frequent snacking (especially on crackers, fruit snacks, or anything sticky) can keep sugar on the teeth for more extended periods.
Some easy ways to help include:
- Offer crunchy fruits and veggies more often (like apples or carrots—they naturally help clean teeth).
- Avoid letting snacks linger all day—try to keep eating to designated times.
- Rinse or brush after sugary or sticky treats when possible.
Make Brushing a Non-Negotiable
Getting a toddler to cooperate with brushing can be an adventure. Some tips that can help include:
- Let them choose their toothbrush or toothpaste flavor.
- Brush together and make it a game or part of a fun routine.
- Use a timer or song to keep it going for two full minutes.
And yes—it’s perfectly okay to do a “parent follow-up” after they’ve brushed themselves.
The First Dental Visit
Many parents wait until there’s a problem before bringing their child to the dentist, but we recommend the first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
It might seem early, but these visits are primarily about education and prevention. We’ll check that everything looks healthy, discuss your child’s habits, and answer any questions. Plus, it gets your child used to the idea that the dentist is a normal, safe place, not a scary one.
A Healthy Mouth Grows With Them
Here’s the bottom line: baby teeth matter. They help your child eat, speak, smile, and guide adult teeth into place. Taking care of them early doesn’t just prevent cavities—it sets the stage for a lifetime of good dental habits.
Schedule Your Child's Check Up with Elke Cheung Dentistry
We know there’s a lot to juggle as a parent, and we’re here to help, not judge. If you have questions, want product recommendations, or need a pep talk about your bedtime brushing battles, we’ve got your back because your child’s smile is worth it. Reach out to learn more about dental caries or schedule a routine check-up and cleaning! Our pediatric dentistry team is gentle, experienced, and truly loves working with kids.