Preventing tooth decay in children and helping to maintain your child’s oral health doesn’t have to involve strict diets or restrictions on foods they love. Instead, let’s explore ways to cultivate healthy habits from a very young age. Healthy habits that will support both their teeth and their general well-being.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to the wonderful Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Kari, who owns it BabyTooth in Calgary, Alberta. We feel grateful that she offered to contribute this amazing post to our blog. We’ll let her take it from here!
I am a pediatric dentist for 17 years, and through my practice, I have seen all stages of child development and all spectrums of dental health, but becoming a parent nearly 15 years ago brought the biggest change in perspective. I recommend that parents first bring their child to the dentist by the age of one year or 6 months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. By doing this, we can take a proactive approach to your child’s dental health, rather than reacting when bad habits or problems have already started.
Common dental problems in children: cavities and gum disease
Tooth decay and gum disease are common issues among children, but their impact goes beyond just dental health. These problems can affect growth, self-confidence and overall well-being. Early dental checkups and cleanings are vital, but what happens at home is just as important.
Babies aren’t born with an instruction manual, so here’s my quick guide, as a pediatric dentist and mom. And “tooth” to say, it’s all about the basics (see what I did there?). Let’s get into it!
Top tips for preventing tooth decay and dental problems in children without a nutritional culture
1. Make Brushing Fun
Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Let your child choose their own toothbrush to help them feel part of the decision-making process. Push them toward one that fits their hand well and has a small brush head and soft bristles. Let the color, character or design be up to them! The same goes for toothpaste. I prefer if they choose something with fluoride, xylitol or nano-hydroxyapatite, but they have to like the taste or they won’t want to brush it. If they hate all kinds of toothpaste, no toothpaste is better than not brushing at all.
When it comes to the actual brushing, play a song to help them understand how long they should be brushing – it makes the whole experience so much more lively and fun! You could also get together as a family or implement a simple reward system to encourage them. Here’s something important to remember: Children under age 9 years need help with brushing. They just don’t have the manual dexterity to brush well enough, so I recommend a group brushing approach. Let them brush first and then you can get the points they missed. You can also teach them how to hold the toothbrush properly to reach some of those spots they usually miss.
2. Turn Flossing into a game
Flossing can be difficult for children, but it is a vital part of maintaining oral health. To make it easier and more appealing, choose kid-friendly yarn or options that have fun designs and flavors.
Turning flossing into a game or friendly competition can add an element of fun. Positive reinforcement, such as praise for a job well done, can encourage your child to make flossing a regular habit. Help when needed ensures they get it right and builds their confidence. It is important to remember that flossing is a habit and if they build this habit now, they are more likely to be lifelong dental flossers. Flossing is important for gum health, but also for heart health!
3. Choose candy that “melts” instead of “sticks”
When it comes to feeding, part of our job as parents is to decide when our children eat and what kinds of foods are served. Children decide whether to eat, how much to eat and which foods (from those served) to eat. One decision you can make as a “feeder”, especially for the health of his teeth, is to buy candy that melts in your child’s mouth instead of sticking to his teeth. Let me explain!
Everyone asks me about sugar, so I’ll address that first. If we tell our kids they can never have candy or sweets, or if we over-control these foods, we may be setting them up for failure in the sweets and treats department. Sugar is a part of life, it can add joy to an event, celebration or meal, and frankly, it helps some foods taste really delicious! It is not realistic or necessary to restrict or ban it. What this can do is put sugary foods on a pedestal and create a “forbidden fruit” situation where kids overdo it when they have access to it. And if they overdo it—say with Halloween candy (see this Halloween candy strategy)—they’ll feel the natural consequence of not feeling pretty, which is the best teacher for Intuitive Eating for kids.
But when it comes to offering sweets when you can help it, this dentist recommends products that can melt rather than stick—for example, ice cream over gummy bears and chocolate over fruit rolls. I also recommend drinking water afterwards!
4. Manage the ‘Tricky Foods’ with cheese, please
There are some “difficult” foods on the dentist’s side, but I have some easy solutions for them all. Goldfish, chips and crackers are favorite foods for most toddlers and are super easy to carry in a purse or diaper bag.
The problem is that these foods get stuck in the grooves of their teeth, giving the bacteria an abundant food source for hours. This can lead to cavities.
The easy fix? CHEESE! Cheese can help remove food from their teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay. It’s also a nutritious addition to a meal or snack! Incorporating dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt into their diet can also help strengthen tooth enamel. Win-win everywhere!
Remember, it’s okay for kids to enjoy sweets in moderation! Adding snacks such as cheese, nuts (sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces that are not a choking hazard for babies and toddlers), and crunchy vegetables (for older children) will help clean teeth naturally.
5. Prioritize water afterwards
Water “chews” (we love a good pun here)! Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque build-up and decay. Encouraging your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals, can make a big difference.
If they are going to have juice or milk, it is best to serve it with a meal. The food helps wash away the fluid, preventing it from settling on the teeth and causing cavities.
6. Take a caring and positive approach
As tempting as it may be, try not to use food as a reward or punishment (or as a parenting tool), as this can create unhealthy associations with food and eating. Instead, use a food-neutral approach to help your child focus on enjoying a variety of different foods and the experience of eating as well as the benefits he gets from the food he’s chosen.
7. Schedule a check-up with a pediatric dentist
Regular visits to the dentist are a cornerstone of maintaining your child’s oral health. Scheduling inspections at least twice a year ensures that any problems are caught early before they become more serious.
Choosing one pediatric dentist and not a general dentist can make these visits less stressful and more enjoyable for your child. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to meet the unique needs and behavior of children, creating a comfortable environment that focuses on their well-being and making dental care a positive experience. Think of this as sending your little ones to kindergarten or elementary school rather than high school to learn.
Conclusion
Good oral health is about variety, enjoyment and cultivating positive habits from an early age. By making oral care fun, offering a varied diet, staying hydrated, and choosing the right dental care in an office that prioritizes a gentle, kid-friendly experience, we can help our children grow up with strong, healthy smiles.
It’s about teaching them to care for their teeth in a way that’s free of unnecessary restrictions, setting them up for a lifetime of good health and confidence.
