Our Top Tips for Parents
As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health, and that includes their smile. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Whether you’re navigating your toddler’s first tooth or managing your teenager’s braces, these dental tips will help you guide your family toward optimal oral health. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are essential, but what you do at home between appointments matters just as much.
Start Early and Stay Consistent
Good dental habits begin before your baby’s first tooth even appears. Gently wipe your infant’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and sugars. Once that first tooth emerges, usually around six months, it’s time to start brushing. Use a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Many parents don’t realize that baby teeth are susceptible to decay, and early cavities can affect the development of permanent teeth. Your pediatric dentist can show you the proper brushing technique for infants and toddlers during your first visit.
Consistency is key when establishing routines. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily, morning and night, for two full minutes each time. Make it fun by singing songs, using a timer, or letting them pick out a toothbrush featuring their favorite character. As your child grows, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount around age three, when they’re better able to spit it out.
Lead by Example
Children learn by watching their parents. Brush and floss your teeth alongside your child, demonstrating proper technique. Let them see that oral care is a normal, non-negotiable part of everyone’s daily routine, not just something kids have to do. When your children observe you taking care of your own teeth without complaint, they’re more likely to adopt the same attitude.
Mind the Sugar
Diet plays a crucial role in dental health. Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria in your child’s mouth, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Limit juice, soda, and sugary treats, and never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. This practice can lead to “baby bottle tooth decay,” a serious condition that damages young teeth. If you notice any discoloration or spots on your child’s teeth, contact your pediatric dentist right away for an evaluation.
Instead, offer water between meals and encourage healthy snacks like cheese, vegetables, and fruits. If your child does have something sugary, it’s better to have it with a meal rather than as a standalone snack throughout the day. The increased saliva production during meals helps wash away sugars and neutralize acids. Your pediatric dentist can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your child’s specific needs and risk factors.
Don’t Skip the Dentist
- Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing: Early visits help catch problems before they become serious and familiarize your child with the dental office environment.
- Maintain regular checkups every six months: Consistent appointments allow your pediatric dentist to monitor development, apply protective fluoride treatments, and catch issues early.
- Stay positive about dental visits: Avoid using the dentist as a threat or expressing your own dental anxieties around your children.
A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children from infancy through adolescence and understands the unique dental needs of growing smiles. They’re trained to make visits comfortable and educational, helping your child develop a positive relationship with dental care.
Protect Those Teeth
If your child plays sports, invest in a properly fitted mouthguard to protect against injuries. Dental trauma can result in chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, which can be painful and expensive to repair. Many schools and sports programs require mouthguards, but even if they don’t, they’re a smart investment in your child’s dental health. Ask your pediatric dentist about custom mouthguards that offer superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought options.
Similarly, discourage habits that can damage teeth, such as chewing on ice, pencils, or fingernails. If your child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier beyond age three, talk to your pediatric dentist about strategies to break these habits before they affect tooth alignment.
Teach Proper Technique
As your child develops the dexterity to brush independently, usually around age six or seven, continue to supervise and assist. Many children rush through brushing or miss spots, particularly the back molars. Teach them to use gentle, circular motions and to brush all surfaces of each tooth, including the backs and chewing surfaces.
Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. Floss picks designed for children can make this easier for both you and your child. By adolescence, your child should be able to maintain their oral hygiene independently, but occasional reminders never hurt.
Let Us Help Your Family Smile Brighter
Creating a foundation of excellent oral health habits protects your child’s smile for years to come. With patience, consistency, and regular professional care from a trusted pediatric dentist, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.