Keeping your child’s teeth healthy at all times can be challenging. Many factors lead to cavities and other dental issues in kids, and at our practice, we’ve noticed that many of these problems stem from preventable causes. That’s why we’ve put together a list of common mistakes that might be putting your child’s teeth at risk.
1. Waiting Too Long for Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Many parents, unfortunately, delay their child’s first dentist appointment. But waiting too long can be a big misstep for your child’s teeth. The truth is, the first dental visit should happen before your kid’s first birthday.
Starting early sets the stage for healthy habits. These early visits serve a few purposes. For one, they help your child get used to the dentist’s office. It’s also a chance for the dentist to check how your child’s teeth are coming in.
At home, you might be doing a great job with the toothbrush, but dentists have specialized tools and expertise that help them spot things you might miss. They can check for early signs of issues and make sure everything’s developing as it should.
During these visits, the dentist can also give your child’s teeth a thorough cleaning, which goes beyond what most of us can do at home, even with careful brushing.
Regular check-ups for your child’s teeth are a way to keep an eye on their oral health. They help catch small problems before they have a chance to become bigger ones and are just as important as regular check-ups with your pediatrician.
2. Waiting Too Long to Get a Dental Problem Fixed
Many parents will say “It was never hurting her, so I never scheduled the appointment to get her cavity fixed.”
Dental pain is not the only sign of necessity for dental work. A cavity often does not hurt in the early stages, but begins to hurt as it gets deeper and approaches the nerve in the center of the tooth. A cavity never goes away on its own.
A cavity will continue to grow, sometimes rapidly, until the source of the cavity—bacteria—is removed by the dentist. If you wait until the later stages to fix a tooth, the treatment may have gone from a simple filling to a root canal and crown!
Additionally, dental pain is some of the worst kind of pain to experience. Because enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, it does not give much room for relief from dental pain once it starts. Your child’s tooth will begin to throb constantly. You never want them to have to experience this of course!
3. Underestimating How Easily Cavities Spread
Most of us don’t think twice about giving our kids a kiss or sharing a spoon at mealtime. But if you have cavities, you might be passing on more than just affection. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can actually transfer from your mouth to your child’s.
When you kiss your child, share utensils, or cool their food by blowing on it, you might accidentally pass along these bacteria. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have a baby in the house. Their tiny teeth are just starting to come in, and they’re extra vulnerable to these bacteria.
If you have cavities yourself, it’s a good idea to get them treated. It’s not just about your own health anymore – it helps protect your child’s teeth too.
Read more: Why Dental Care Matters for Expectant Moms
4. Letting Your Child Brush Without Supervision Too Early
It’s exciting when your child starts brushing their own teeth. It feels like a big step towards independence. However, it’s important not to step back too quickly, especially if your child is under 11.
Young children often need help to brush effectively. They might miss hard-to-reach spots or not brush long enough. This can lead to plaque buildup and potential tooth problems down the road. Additionally, children do not have adequate dexterity to brush their teeth properly until about age 8, so parental involvement is definitely still warranted even in the elementary years.
A good approach is to make tooth brushing a shared activity. You can watch and guide your child as they brush or try taking turns: let them start, and then you finish up. Using a timer can help ensure they brush for at least two minutes.
As your child grows, you can gradually step back. Until then, a little oversight can go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth.
5. Not Flossing Your Child’s Teeth
Brushing alone isn’t enough for your child’s teeth. While it’s important, the toothbrush can’t reach every spot in the mouth. Food particles love to hide between teeth.
Flossing helps clean up what brushing leaves behind. It removes those bits of food that can get trapped between teeth, which helps prevent cavities from forming in these tight spaces. Regular flossing also keeps gums healthy, which is just as important for oral and overall health.
People forget that the mouth is the entrance to your body. Studies have shown that high levels of oral bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay can have a direct impact on gut and cardiovascular health!
Consider making flossing a family activity. You can show your kids how to do it properly, then help them out until they’re comfortable doing it on their own. With time and practice, it’ll become a natural part of their daily routine, just like brushing.
For younger children or those who find regular floss challenging to use, floss picks can be a good alternative. They’re easier to handle and can make the task feel less like a chore.
Read more: Brushing Alone Isn’t Cutting It: Teaching Kids the Value of Flossing
6. Forgetting to Make Tooth Care a Family Routine
Teaching your kids about oral health is a good start, but it’s often not enough to create lasting habits. To really help your child’s teeth stay healthy, it’s better to make good oral care a normal part of your family’s daily life.
Kids tend to copy what they see around them. If you’re not consistently taking care of your own teeth, your children might not see why they should bother with theirs. Try brushing your teeth and flossing a family activity. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just do it together at the same time each day whenever possible.
You could even add a bit of fun to it. Maybe put on some music or turn it into a quick game. The goal is to make caring for teeth feel like a natural part of your day-to-day routine.
7. Letting Your Child Have Sugary Drinks and Sticky Foods Too Often
We all know that sugary, sticky, and acidic drinks and foods are the number one cause of dental problems. This includes sodas, candies, and even fruit juices.
The tricky part? Kids crave these exact things, and it’s tempting to give in to avoid tantrums. But doing this too often can harm your child’s teeth. The sugar feeds bacteria in their mouth, which can lead to cavities.
Try to limit these foods and drinks. Here are some ways to do this:
• Offer healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, which can satisfy a sweet tooth while providing nutrients.
• Save sugary treats for special occasions. This makes them more of a treat and less of a daily habit.
• If you do offer sugary foods, try to do it with regular meals when saliva flow is higher, helping to wash away food particles.
• Encourage drinking water, especially after eating sweets.
• Remind your child to brush after consuming sugary or sticky foods.
Finding a middle ground helps keep your child’s teeth healthy without completely cutting out treats. It might take some getting used to, but it’s worth it for your child’s smile.
Read more: Tips for Keeping Your Child Cavity-Free
Keeping your child’s teeth healthy involves more than just avoiding common mistakes. It’s about taking a proactive approach to dental care from an early age.
At our practice, we focus on preventing issues before they become problems. We offer preventive dental care for children in Lafayette, Broussard, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, Youngsville, and nearby areas. Our goal is to make dental visits stress-free and comfortable for kids while setting the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Have questions about our services? We’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a visit.