Safeguarding Smiles: 3 Tips to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Caring for your child’s dental health can be a challenge, especially if your little one resists brushing or flossing their teeth. Cavities occur when bacteria produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to infection, gum disease, or additional tooth decay if left unaddressed.

Unfortunately, harmful germs are attracted to sugary foods, meaning that if your child has a sweet tooth, they’re at an increased risk of having problems. Continue reading to learn 3 ways you can help keep their grin healthy despite their preference for sweet treats!

Tip #1: Have Them Sip Water

Tooth decay can happen to kids at any age, though it’s more common among those who regularly consume foods and drinks that have high sugar content. Germs in their mouth love the sweet ingredient and flourish. Eventually, they can penetrate your little one’s teeth or gums, weakening them so they’re more susceptible to infections and injuries.

Thankfully, water has a neutral pH balance that can counteract acid damage to your child’s teeth. Plus, it rinses away leftover food, unwanted microbes, and other debris that might detract from their oral well-being. Instead of giving your kid a cup of juice or sticky soda, have them drink water to improve their overall condition!

Tip #2: Brush Their Teeth Often

Another way to keep your child’s grin happy and healthy, even if they eat sugar, is to clean their mouth more frequently. If you don’t already, try to implement a routine of brushing and flossing thoroughly both morning and night to remove plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems.

You can also scrub your child’s teeth (or have them practice brushing on their own) after lunch and snacks to ensure no sticky ingredients remain for germs to cling to. If they resist this task or view it as a chore, you can encourage active participation by turning it into a game. For example, you can brush your teeth with them and see who can clean more “sugar bugs” off their teeth by the time you’re finished!

Tip #3: Give Them Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Many kids enjoy blowing (and popping!) big bubbles out of large pieces of sugar-filled gum. Although this can be a fun and exciting challenge, it’s not doing their teeth any favors. If your child is old enough to chew gum, you can provide sugar-free options that are less harmful. Chewing it activates saliva production, which rinses away germs that cause gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.

Plus, many brands sweeten their product with xylitol, which can remineralize their enamel. That means chewing sugar-free gum can potentially improve their dental health rather than detract from it!

Another great way to keep your kid’s smile in great shape is to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with their pediatric dentist every six months!

Meet the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has 20+ years of experience helping children build and maintain their happiest, healthiest grins. He earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry, and obtained his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate with advanced training at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. Today, he’s board-certified and provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all of your kids’ needs at one convenient location. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results. To schedule a routine appointment, you can contact the office on the website or call (972) 429-7070.