According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2 in 5 children have cavities in their baby teeth by the time they reach kindergarten—and more than 1 in 2 experience cavities by age 8. Tooth decay at an early age can affect children’s speech and chewing, and can also lead to problems with permanent teeth as well as health issues. Since February is Children’s Dental Health Month, it’s a good time to review the best ways to prevent cavities so your child can enjoy a bright smile and avoid health problems.

Why Children’s Dental Health is So Important

Healthy teeth play a huge role in a child’s development. Taking care of their dental needs early in life can ensure their teeth stay strong so they can thrive: 

Proper speech. Every sound a child makes relies on having teeth in the right place. For instance, missing front teeth can make it difficult to pronounce “s,” “f,” “v,” and “th.”  It’s normal for a child’s baby teeth to fall out around age 6, but if advanced decay in a baby tooth has made its way into permanent teeth, and they need to be extracted, the child may struggle with speech into teen years and beyond. 

Healthy eating. Proper nutrition is essential for growth. If cavities make it painful for a child to chew, they may avoid eating healthy foods like carrots and apples.  

Overall health. Untreated tooth decay can cause abscesses that enter the bloodstream, leading to serious infections in other parts of the body. By seeing a pediatric dentist, you can be sure cavities are contained so bacteria doesn’t spread. 

8 Tips for Taking Care of Kids’ Teeth

It’s a parent’s job to help prevent cavities and instill good dental hygiene at an early age. Pediatric dentists offer the following advice for achieving that.  

1. Don’t Let Babies Take Bottles to Bed

When liquid pools in a baby’s mouth, it settles into the gums and any existing teeth. This can easily turn into bacteria which can eventually cause decay. If your baby must be soothed with a bottle in bed, give them water instead of milk or juice.

2. See a Pediatric Dentist by The First Birthday

Introducing babies and toddlers to the dentist at an early age can ensure they feel comfortable with the concept as they grow. The best dentist for kids makes young children feel comfortable by providing a positive, fun experience they will look forward to. Early visits also give dentists the opportunity to address habits that may affect a child’s bite, such as thumb or pacifier sucking, and to look for any signs of jaw growth problems. 

3. Brush Babies’ Teeth Daily

Sugar and debris from formula, breast milk, and baby food settle into infants’ teeth, so it makes sense to clean them even at a young age. Run a small, soft-bristled toothbrush under warm water and use a speck of toothpaste. With gentle pressure, move the brush in a circular scrubbing motion on all tooth surfaces. 

4. Schedule Bi-Annual Dental Visits

Routine exams will allow a dentist to keep an eye on your children’s teeth as they come in and fall out. Every 6 months, the teeth will be cleaned (which removes cavity-causing plaque), polished, and treated with fluoride if the dentist thinks it’s necessary. If the dentist offers sealants for your child’s teeth, say yes. They form a coating over the enamel to prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth. Dental X-rays are usually ordered every year or two to detect cavities not visible in an exam, keep your dentist up-to-date on how permanent teeth are coming in, and plan for orthodontic issues as permanent teeth emerge.

5. Help Your Child Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes

Brushing is something we must do our entire lives to prevent tooth decay, so it’s important to make it a normal part of kids’ daily routine. Until your child is 5 or 6 (depending on maturity), brush their teeth for them in the morning and before bed using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (remind them not to swallow it). Sing ABCs or Twinkle Little Star as an automatic timer while also adding musical fun. When they are 2 or 3, start teaching them how to hold the brush and to move in a circular motion over each tooth. Let them “do it themselves” after every time you brush for them. When they are old enough, hand the reins over, but keep watching to make sure they’re reaching every tooth. 

6. Begin Flossing When Their Teeth Touch

Once gaps in children’s teeth begin to close, food is more likely to get stuck in tight spaces. Teach them to floss every time they brush, using fun flossers that make it easier for little hands to hold. Just like with brushing, you should do it for them first, then let them do it themselves when they’re ready. 

7. Provide Healthy Meals and Snacks 

When kids have access to nutritional food, they’re less likely to reach for sugary treats — which creates a breeding ground for cavities. Make sure to serve veggies, fruit, meat, cheese, and whole grains from a young age to prevent decay and create healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. 

8. Instill a Love for Water

Soda, juice, and even sports drinks contain massive amounts of sugar. By giving your children water at an early age, they will reach for it to quench their thirst as they grow — instead of cavity-causing beverages. 

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