Beyond the Tooth Fairy: Caring for Growing Smiles

Once the excitement of the tooth fairy visit subsides, shift your focus to the long-term health of your child’s growing smile. This stage sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits and confident smiles.

Brushing and Flossing

• Start Early: Establish an excellent oral hygiene routine before your child’s first tooth erupts. Gently clean their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. When the first tooth appears, give the child a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends this minimal amount for children under 3 to minimize fluoride ingestion. For children three and older, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease. Start flossing as soon as your child has two touching teeth. You can use floss picks or traditional floss, whichever your child finds easier to handle. The AAPD recommends parental assistance with flossing until children develop the talent to do it themselves, usually around age 8.
• Make it Fun: Turn brushing and flossing into a game or song to make it more enjoyable for your child. You can use a timer, play their favourite music, or let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste from their favourite characters. Positive reinforcement and encouragement go a long way to establishing positive habits. Consider using a reward chart to track their brushing and flossing progress.

Regular Dental Checkups

• First Visit by Age One: The AAPD recommends that a child’s first dental visit be by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit allows the dentist to assess your child’s oral health, identify any potential issues, and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. Early detection of dental problems can prevent more severe issues later. 
• Regular Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups every six months to monitor your child’s dental development and address any potential issues early on. During these checkups, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums, clean them, and apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. The dentist will also discuss proper oral hygiene techniques and answer any questions.

Dietary Habits for Healthy Teeth

• Limit Sugary Drinks and Snacks: Sugary treats contribute to tooth decay—bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products instead. Cheese, in particular, is an ideal choice as it stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes acids and remineralizes teeth.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Water rinses away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated, diluting acids and reducing tooth decay. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks.
• Encourage a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients is crucial for strong teeth and gums. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel, while Vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Ensure your child enjoys dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Phosphorus in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, and fish also affects tooth health.