Preventing Cavities in Children: Tips from an Anti-Diet Dentist

Preventing cavities in children and helping to maintain your child’s oral health does not have to involve strict diets or restricting foods that they love. Instead, let’s explore ways to nurture healthy habits from a very young age. Healthy habits that will support both their teeth and overall well-being.

It’s a pleasure to introduce you to the lovely Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Kari, who is the owner of BabyTooth in Calgary, Alberta. We feel grateful that she’s offered to contribute this amazing post to our blog. We’ll let her take it from here! 

I have been a pediatric dentist for 17 years, and through my practice, I’ve seen all stages of children’s growth and all spectrums of dental health but becoming a parent almost 15 years ago brought the biggest perspective change.  I recommend that parents first bring their child to see a dentist by one year of age or 6 months after their first tooth eruption, whichever comes first. In doing this, we can take a preventative approach to your child’s dental health, rather than a reactive one once bad habits or issues have already started. 

Common Dental Issues in Kids: Cavities and Gum Disease

Cavities and gum disease are common issues among children, but their impact goes beyond just dental health. These problems can affect growth, confidence, and overall well-being. Early dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial, but what happens at home matters just as much.  

Babies aren’t born with an instruction manual so here is my brief guide, as a pediatric dentist and a mom. And “tooth” be told, it’s all about the basics (see what I did there?). Let’s get into it!

Top Tips to Prevent Cavities and Dental Issues in Children Without Diet Culture

1. Make Brushing Fun

Brushing teeth does not have to feel like a chore. Let your child choose their own toothbrush to help them feel like a part of the decision-making process. Nudge them toward one that fits well in their hand, and has a small brush head and gentle bristles. Let the colour, character or design be up to them!  The same goes for toothpaste.  I prefer if they pick something with fluoride, xylitol or nano-hydroxyapatite but they have to like the flavour or they won’t want to brush with it.  If they hate all kinds of toothpaste, no toothpaste is better than not brushing at all.

When it comes to actual brushing, play a song to help them understand how long they should brush–this makes the whole experience a lot more lively and fun! You could also brush together as a family or implement a simple reward system to encourage them. Here’s something important to remember: Children under the age of 9 years require help with brushing. They simply don’t have the manual dexterity to brush well enough, so I recommend a team-brushing approach.  Let them brush first and then you can get the spots they missed.  You can also teach them how to hold the toothbrush properly to get to some of those spots that they miss routinely.

2. Turn Flossing into a Game

Flossing can be challenging for children, but it’s a vital part of maintaining oral health. To make it easier and more appealing, opt for kid-friendly flossers or picks that come in fun designs and flavours. 

Turning flossing into a game or friendly competition can add an element of fun. Positive reinforcement, like praise for a job well done, can encourage your child to make flossing a regular habit. Helping out when needed ensures they’re doing it correctly and builds their confidence. It’s important to remember that flossing is a habit and if they build this habit now, it’s more likely that they’ll be lifelong flossers.  Flossing is important for gum health, and heart health, too! 

3. Opt for Sweets that “Melt” Rather than “Stick” 

When it comes to feeding, part of our job as parents is deciding when our kids eat and what types of foods are served.  Kids get to decide whether they eat, how much they eat, and what foods (out of what’s been served) they eat. One decision that you can make as the “feeder”, particularly for their dental health,  is to purchase sweets that melt in your child’s mouth rather than stick to their 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 sugary treats, or if we police these foods too much, we may be setting them up for failure in the sweets and treats department.  Sugar is a part of life, can add joy to an event, celebration or meal, and quite frankly, helps some foods taste really yummy! It’s not realistic or necessary to highly restrict it or forbid 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–let’s say on Halloween candy (check out this Halloween candy strategy)–they will feel the natural consequence of not feeling too great, 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 roll-ups.  I also recommend drinking water afterward! 

4. Manage ‘Tricky Foods’ with Cheese, Please

There are some “tricky” foods from a dentist’s perspective, but I have some easy fixes for all of them. Goldfish, chips, and crackers are much-loved foods for most toddlers, plus they can be super easy to carry in your purse or diaper bag.  

The problem is that these foods stick in the grooves of their teeth, giving bacteria an ample food source for hours. This can lead to cavities.

The easy fix? CHEESE! Cheese can help to pull the food off of their teeth, which can help to prevent cavities. It’s also a nourishing addition to a meal or snack! Incorporating dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt into their diet can help strengthen tooth enamel, too. Win-win all around!

Remember, it’s okay for children to enjoy sweets in moderation!  Adding snacks like cheese, nuts (slivered, sliced, or cut into non-choking-hazard-sized pieces for babies and toddlers), and crunchy vegetables (for older kids) will help to naturally clean the teeth.

5. Prioritize Water After

“Chews” water (we love a good pun over here)! Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque buildup and decay. Encouraging your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals, can make a big difference. 

If they’re going to have juice or milk, it’s best to serve it with a meal. The food helps wash the liquid down, preventing it from sitting on the teeth and causing decay. 

6. Take a Caring and Positive Approach 

As tempting as it can be, try your best not to use food as a reward or punishment (or as a parenting tool at all), as this can create unhealthy associations with eating and food. 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 they get because of the food they chose.

7. Schedule Check-Ups with a pediatric dentist

Regular dental visits are a cornerstone of maintaining your child’s oral health. Scheduling check-ups at least twice a year ensures that any potential issues are caught early before they become more serious. 

Opting for a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist can make these visits less stressful and more enjoyable for your child. Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to cater to the unique needs and behaviour of children, creating a comfortable environment that focuses on their well-being and making dental care a positive experience.  Think of this like sending your little ones to preschool 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 kind, 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 from unnecessary restrictions, setting them up for a lifetime of good health and confidence.