Building healthy oral habits in childhood is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health. According to 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 46 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have experienced at least one cavity, and early childhood caries remains the most common chronic disease in U.S. children. Strong pediatric dental care habits help reduce these risks significantly and support confident smiles as kids grow.
If you are unsure about where to begin or whether your child is on track, start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- Has my child been to see a dentist?
- Does my child know how to brush and floss properly?
- Does my child have a tooth-friendly diet?
- Is my child at risk for dental issues due to current habits, such as thumb sucking or frequent bottle use?
To help you navigate pediatric dental care effectively, the guide below uses these questions to outline the essential do’s and don’ts every parent should know.
DO Take Your Child to the Dentist Early
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This early start is critical. Even with only a few teeth, your child is susceptible to decay, and early visits help normalize the dental environment.
Why Early Visits Matter
- Children who see a dentist by age 1 have 33 percent lower dental costs over time due to preventive care.
- Early visits help reduce dental anxiety by making the environment familiar.
- Parents receive personalized guidance on brushing, fluoride use, teething, and feeding habits.
What to Expect
Plan to schedule appointments every six months starting around age 1 to 2. Between ages 4 and 6, most children will have their first set of dental x-rays. Fluoride treatments are typically covered by insurance and are strongly recommended at each visit to strengthen enamel.
By age 5 or 6, when the first permanent molars erupt, discuss dental sealants with your dentist. Sealants reduce cavity risk in molars by up to 80 percent. Around age 8, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended to monitor jaw development and identify any early alignment issues.
DON’T Reinforce Fears
Many parents worry about how their child will behave at the dentist, but pediatric dental care professionals are trained to work with children of all temperaments.
Tips to Avoid Fear-Based Behaviors
- Avoid negative language such as “It won’t hurt.”
- Talk openly about what will happen at the appointment.
- Praise positive behavior and offer reassurance.
- Allow your child to ask questions or explore tools in a supervised way at the appointment.
Dentists often use techniques such as “tell-show-do,” chair rides, child-friendly explanations, and behavior modeling. These strategies help children understand that the dental office is a safe and supportive place.
DO Teach Good Habits Early
Healthy dental habits begin long before the first tooth arrives. Infants benefit from daily gum cleaning with a soft cloth or fingertip brush. This routine keeps the mouth clean and helps your child become comfortable with oral hygiene.
Age by Age Care Guidelines
| Age | Pediatric Dental Care Recommendation |
| 0 to 6 months | Wipe gums daily with a clean cloth |
| 6 to 12 months | Introduce sippy cup; continue gum care |
| First tooth | Start brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste |
| 2 to 6 years | Brush twice daily with supervision; introduce flossing |
| 6+ years | Encourage independent brushing and flossing with oversight |
Toothpaste and Fluoride Facts
Parents often worry about fluoride, but research continues to show that small, age-appropriate amounts significantly reduce decay risk. In 2025, the ADA reaffirmed that fluoride toothpaste remains one of the most effective preventive tools for children.
Use only a smear of toothpaste for infants and a pea-sized amount for children age 3 and older. Begin flossing as soon as any two teeth touch, since many early childhood cavities form between teeth.
DON’T Create Unhealthy Eating Habits
Many foods marketed toward children are surprisingly harmful to their teeth. While candy and sugary drinks are common culprits, certain snacks that appear healthy can have similar effects.
Foods That Can Harm Teeth
- Popcorn and unpopped kernels
- Ice
- Sticky or chewy foods including dried fruit
- Highly acidic foods like citrus
- Starchy snacks such as crackers, chips, and white bread
- Juice, sports drinks, and flavored beverages
These foods either damage enamel directly or break down into sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria. The 2024 National Health Nutrition Examination Survey reported that children who consume sugary drinks daily have a 60 percent higher likelihood of developing cavities.
Better Alternatives
Choose:
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
- Water as the primary drink
If children do consume sugary or sticky foods, have them rinse with water or brush shortly afterward.
DO Avoid Pacifiers, Bottles, and Prolonged Thumb Sucking
These habits are normal in infancy but can cause long-term dental concerns if they continue for too long.
Impact of Prolonged Oral Habits
- Altered jaw growth
- Crooked teeth
- Open bite development
- Speech difficulties
- Increased risk of early childhood decay from bottles used with milk or juice
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends weaning from the bottle around age 1 and reducing pacifier use once your child begins talking. Introducing a sippy cup as early as 6 months can ease this transition.
DO Understand That Baby Teeth Are Important
There is a common misconception that baby teeth do not matter because they eventually fall out. This is incorrect. Baby teeth play vital roles in chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for the permanent teeth that follow.
Premature tooth loss due to decay can cause:
- Pain and infections
- Difficulty eating
- Poor sleep
- Misaligned permanent teeth
- Higher dental costs later in life
At Central Davis Dental, we love helping kids build confident, healthy smiles from the very beginning. If you have questions, need guidance, or want to get your child started with the right pediatric dental care habits, our team is here to make every visit positive and stress free. Schedule a visit anytime and let us help your child enjoy a bright, healthy smile as they grow.
Pediatric Dental Care FAQ
How early should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpaste can be used as soon as the first tooth erupts. Use only a smear for infants and a pea-sized amount starting at age 3.
When should my child begin flossing?
Begin flossing when two teeth touch. Early flossing reduces the risk of interproximal cavities, which are common in young children.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most children benefit from dental visits every six months beginning around age 1 or when the first tooth emerges.
Is juice harmful for dental health?
Yes. Even 100 percent fruit juice contains natural sugars that contribute to tooth decay. Water is the best everyday drink for children.
What are dental sealants and do children need them?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to molars. They reduce cavity risk by up to 80 percent and are typically recommended when permanent molars appear around age 6 and again around age 12.
When should my child stop using a pacifier or thumb sucking?
Most dentists recommend weaning pacifiers by ages 2 to 3 and discouraging thumb sucking as early as possible to protect developing teeth.