In this post, you won’t find any surprises. We don’t have any groundbreaking news for you, or news of a brand-new gadget that will eradicate cavities in kids forever. That would be nice. We just know that kids are prone to cavities—in fact, it’s the most common chronic illness of childhood in the US, according to the CDC. We know that dental decay can lead to pain, embarrassment, even loss of teeth and impairment of everyday functions like speaking or eating. Children with dental decay can suffer in school, unable to fully pay attention or engage with their classmates like everyone else. We want to protect kids from that, and we know you do too. So today, we’re going back to the basics. Encouraging these five habits with your child will set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

1- Brushing Your Teeth

As Stanford Medicine rightly explains, “The single best way to remove harmful plaque from teeth and gums is to brush teeth regularly and correctly.” Plaque—a sticky film of bacteria on teeth—wreaks havoc when left untreated. Eventually it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Thankfully, brushing teeth reverses this destructive process. Stanford Medicine notes that when brushing with toothpaste, you:

• Remove plaque
• Resist decay
• Promote remineralization (strengthening enamel that has been attacked by acids) 
• Clean and polish teeth
• Remove teeth stains
• Freshen breath

A child who skips, slacks, or otherwise fails to brush their teeth regularly and thoroughly is at risk for some serious dental damage. Brushing is the first line of defense. If that line falls, they’re in trouble. It’s of utmost importance to make sure that when you hand off brushing independence to your child, they’re really ready for it. If a child is given the independence to brush their own teeth before they really have the maturity or dexterity to follow through on the job well and consistently, then their dental health will suffer. It’s better to play and safe and protect their dental health.

What if my kid hates brushing their teeth?

I.e. what if my kid gets distracted or bored after only thirty seconds and thinks they’re done? Good questions. Try a teeth-brushing dance party, where you both brush your teeth together while dancing to some of your favorite music. You can also try kids’ podcasts such as Brushy, which is specifically created to keep kids entertained while brushing teeth and let them know when they can be done. You could also gift them with a light-up or buzzing toothbrush which lets them know the toothbrushing time is up, while also sneaking more fun and excitement into the process.

If your child just needs motivation, there’s always the good, old-fashioned sticker chart. When they brush their teeth cheerfully and well, they get a sticker; when they fill up the chart, they get a reward, like a new toothbrush or special toothpaste. Whatever it takes, it’s crucial to teach your child that brushing their teeth—two minutes, twice a day, every day—is a normal, expected, non-negotiable part of their oral health.

2- Flossing

Much the same goes for flossing. You might think, they’re just kids! Do I really have to make them floss yet? The truth is, they eat sugary, sticky foods that get wedged in the crevices of their teeth just like adults—maybe more often. As one pediatric dentistry affirms, “Children need to floss for the same reason adults need to floss. Brushing alone only removes up to 60% of plaque on the teeth and gum surface, leaving behind hidden plaque in the nooks and crannies that a toothbrush can’t access.”

Often, you still have to floss for your child even after you’ve handed over the reins for brushing. As we all know, flossing can be a bit tricky and not particularly pleasant. Children usually lack the patience and dexterity to do the job thoroughly. According to Stanford Medicine, children should begin to floss when they have two teeth that touch (around ages 2 to 3), and likely need help until around ages 8 to 10.

If your child is just starting out flossing, their gums may bleed a little. Don’t be alarmed, and don’t let their complaints persuade you to let them drop flossing altogether. As they continue to floss, their gums with get healthier and won’t bleed anymore at flossing. Though children may complain of discomfort at first, their gums will eventually adapt. However, do note that if the bleeding persists an unusually long time, particularly in older children, it may be a sign of gingivitis. Contact the dentist if you are concerned that this might be the case.

3- Staying Hydrated

Yes, water is incredible even for teeth. Why? We’re glad you asked.

Hopefully, the water in your community contains fluoride, a mineral crucial to dental health for kids and adults alike. Assuming that’s the case, helping them drink more water is a great way to incorporate more fluoride into a child’s diet! As the University of Illinois Chicago explains, “Fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and build healthy communities. Evidence shows that for most cities, every $1 invested in fluoridation saves $38 in costs to treat dental problems.”

Water also acts as a natural partner with saliva. Sounds gross, right? But really, it’s great. For kids who may not be the best at brushing their teeth yet, water is a helpful way to wash away the debris left over from eating and drinking. This reduces the sugar and bacteria left on teeth, and therefore the chance of cavities. Encourage your child to keep a water bottle with them throughout the day and be drinking regularly to boost their oral and overall health.

4- Eating Healthy

Kids love sweets, and you can’t really blame them—we all do. But as HealthyChildren puts it so well, “The longer and more frequently your child’s teeth are exposed to sugar, the greater the risk of cavities.” If your child is prone to eating sugary snacks or drinking sugary drinks, then there’s a problem on your hands, not only for their dental health. Teaching them to replace sugary, nutrient-empty choices for nutrient-dense, healthy choices is part of the lifelong road to good health.

For good oral health, kids need a diet that’s rich in things like calcium, collagen, and fiber. Excellent options include cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, apples and peanut butter, and eggs. Make the process fun and exciting with your child! Let them help you pick out healthy snacks. Create nutritious, silly treats like the classic celery-peanut-raisin combination for Ants on a Log. Dental health might just be yummier than either of you thought! Consult your dentist or pediatrician if you’re unsure whether your child’s diet is providing them with the vitamins and minerals they need.

5- Visiting the Dentist

A kid who is in the habit of going to the dentist every six months is at a much lower risk for dental troubles to pop up than one who doesn’t. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, it’s time to take them. If no teeth have emerged by their first birthday, schedule a visit anyway. After that, a visit every six months is good. That way, their dentist can monitor their growth, check for cavities, refer you to specialists if needed, and make sure everything’s on track. They can also apply dental sealants to your child’s chewing teeth, which are incredibly effective at preventing cavities. Making a habit out of seeing the dentist regularly is one of the best gifts you can give your children for their oral health.

These five habits are simple, yes, but important. When followed, they lay the groundwork for a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles. If you would like to schedule the next appointment for you or your child, contact our office today. We would be happy to see you.