How To Teach Your Kids Good Dental Habits for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Common Dental Issues in Children

When children do not practice good oral hygiene, bacteria will build up on their teeth and eat away at the tooth enamel. This and other bad habits can lead to common pediatric dental issues, including:

• Tooth decay and cavities: Sugary diets make the mouth more acidic. Bacteria thrive in these environments, eroding teeth and causing holes or divots in the tooth’s exterior.
• Gum disease and inflammation: Plaque buildup near the gumline irritates the gum tissue, which can cause swelling and bleeding.
• Tooth sensitivity: When tooth enamel is damaged, children may experience more sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or certain foods and beverages.
• Misaligned teeth: Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, nail-biting, or habitual chewing can lead to an open bite, or other dental misalignments.

Age-Appropriate Dental Care Practices

During different stages of their child’s development, parents can progressively build an effective dental hygiene routine that is age-appropriate. Here are key dental care practices to consider for your children.

Infants and Toddlers

Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, there are things you can do to start good dental habits. Healthy baby teeth are crucial because they:

• Help form your child’s facial structure
• Create and hold space for permanent teeth
• Make chewing and eating easier
• Allow for proper speech development

After feedings, dampen a clean, soft cloth and wipe your baby’s gums. You can begin to use a soft baby toothbrush after the teeth start to come in. Ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste, and how much you can use at this age.

Preschoolers

Teaching dental hygiene to preschoolers can be a fun and engaging experience if you take the right approach. This is the age when you can encourage more independence, giving kids a sense of responsibility and ownership of their dental health. 

At this stage, it’s essential to be consistent and positive with your kids. By reinforcing good dental habits every day, it becomes part of their routine and no longer feels like a chore or burden. Your preschooler’s oral hygiene routine should include:

• Brushing twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing between the teeth once daily
• Introduction to proper rinsing and spitting techniques
• Learning to hold the toothbrush, and how to move it across the teeth
• Visiting the dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning

School-Aged Children

Once children are in school, they develop better dexterity that helps them clean their teeth on their own. However, you should still supervise your kids while they brush and floss to ensure they are using the proper techniques.

Recommended dental habits for school-aged children and teenagers include:

• Brushing teeth at least twice per day
• Using a fluoride toothpaste to support healthy tooth enamel
• Flossing at least once per day
• Getting routine teeth cleanings every six months
• Drinking tap water containing fluoride

Parents should ask their children’s dentist about in-office fluoride treatments and dental sealants that can protect against cavities. Also, regular dental check-ups will help your dentist keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong by catching any issues as early as possible.

Creating a Positive Dental Care Environment

On top of teaching proper oral care techniques to your children, it’s vital that you have a positive and supportive attitude about dental care. How you approach oral hygiene will set the tone for how you kids feel about it.

Negative dental care experiences in children can have lasting effects, including:

• Anxiety about dental office visits
• Dental phobias
• Reluctance to practice oral hygiene
• Avoidance of dentists as adults

If you want your child to have a positive association with the dentist and get the care they need as an adult, it starts with you. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Do not use dental care as a form of punishment
• Provide positive reinforcement to encourage a regular routine
• Include the whole family in dental habits and oral health goals
• Talk to your child about their feelings or fears about dental care
• Bring your child with you to your dental appointments to get them more comfortable with the setting

Additionally, it’s helpful to work with a specialized pediatric dentist who knows how to work with children. These dental professionals can guide you through dental hygiene for your child, and create a warm and welcoming environment in the dental office.

Diet and Its Impact on Dental Health

While oral hygiene practices are a crucial part of your child’s overall dental health, their diet also plays an important role. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sugary foods and beverages increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities in children. Because of this, parents should try to limit these items in their child’s diet:

• Sodas and soft drinks
• Juices
• Candy
• Cookies and other sugary baked good
• Breakfast cereals
• Flavored milks

Conversely, there are foods and drinks that can potentially support your child’s oral health. Here are items that can promote a healthy smile and long-term dental well-being.

Calcium-Dense Foods and Drinks

Dairy and other calcium-rich foods can strengthen tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth that protects against cavities and erosion. Ask your dentist about serving your child products like:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Leafy green vegetables
• Beans
• Calcium-fortified foods
• Child supplements with calcium

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits are another healthy item you can incorporate into your child’s diet to improve dental and overall health. Many fruits are packed with vitamins, water, and antioxidants that protect teeth from damage. Also, crunchy fruits promote saliva production, which keeps the mouth clean. Dental experts often recommend:

• Apples
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Berries
• Oranges
• Grapefruit

Crunchy Vegetables

Fibrous, crunchy vegetables can naturally clean teeth while stimulating gum tissue, facial muscles, and the jawbone. Like fruit, vegetables also offer vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are good for oral health. Reach for these kid-friendly options as a snack or meal side:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Mild bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Other root vegetables

Nuts and Seeds

Great snack options for kids that will help their smiles stay healthy and radiant are nuts and seeds. Different types of nuts and seeds contain calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals and nutrients that strengthen and protect teeth and neutralize acids. Popular choices for children include:

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Pistachios
• Peanuts
• Walnuts

Hydration

Your child’s oral health is also affected by hydration. When kids don’t get enough water, they can suffer from poor saliva production and dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and other dental issues. Drinking plenty of water also helps rinse away food particles that can become lodged in the teeth.

Ask your pediatric dentist about the benefits of drinking tap water. Many municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride, which is essential for your child’s dental health. Many dentists agree that tap water is safe for kids to drink, and will strengthen tooth enamel as they develop.

The Role of Regular Dental Visits

Seeing the dentist regularly is another important part of your child’s oral health journey. You can start as early as your baby’s first tooth appears, and continue your appointments every six months for consistent monitoring.

During your child’s first dental appointment, the dentist will look in their mouth to examine teeth and gums. They may remove plaque buildup with dental tools or water flossers to prevent tooth decay. The team will also polish the teeth with a special toothbrush and gritty toothpaste.

As kids get older, the dentist will take dental X-rays to ensure their development is on track and there are no cavities that need treatment. At this stage, preventive dental treatments are incredibly beneficial, including dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

Preparing Children for Dental Visits

To get your child ready for their dental visits, prepare them as much as possible with these steps:

• Talk positively about the dentist and what they can expect
• Watch videos or read books about pediatric dental appointments
• Let your child bring their favorite blanket or stuffed animal
• Avoid scheduling the appointment at times your child may be tired or hungry
• Share any concerns or fears with the dentist ahead of time

Make an appointment with a pediatric dentist at Absolute Dental!

Addressing Common Challenges

Although parents know their children’s dental health is important, it can also be challenging for several reasons. Some kids are reluctant or resistant to keep up with their oral hygiene routines. Also, affordable dental care is not always available to families.

At Absolute Dental, we understand these struggles and are ready to partner with parents to stay on top of their kids’ dental habits. Our friendly pediatric team is patient, compassionate, and supportive, helping kids form positive feelings about dental care. Ask us about our special offers, flexible payment options, and exclusive discounts through our Smile Saver program!

Book an appointment with our pediatric dentistry specialists at Absolute Dental, and let us help your little ones maintain healthy, bright smiles for years to come.