As parents, we do our best to keep our children healthy—making sure they eat well, sleep enough, and get their regular check-ups. When it comes to oral health, several everyday habits and conditions can quietly influence their growing smiles.
Here are four common (but often overlooked) factors that may be shaping your child’s teeth and gums:
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Snacking Too Often (Even on “Healthy” Foods)
It’s not just the amount of sugar your child consumes—it’s also how often they eat. Frequent snacking, especially on sticky or sugary foods like dried fruits (raisins, dates), fruit juices, flavored milk, granola bars, crackers, protein bars, or even low-fat yogurt cups (many of which contain at least three teaspoons of sugar), gives cavity-causing bacteria a constant source of fuel.
What you can do: Stick to regular meal and snack times instead of allowing constant grazing. Offer water instead of sugary drinks between meals, and choose tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, plain yogurt, nuts (for older kids), or crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Mouth Breathing
If your child often breathes through their mouth—especially during sleep—it can lead to dryness, reducing the saliva that naturally protects teeth. Mouth breathing can also be linked to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or areas of jaw development that may need extra attention.
Additionally, it may affect sleep quality, speech development, and even concentration. Snoring is not typical in children and should be evaluated.
What you can do: If your child snores, sleeps with their mouth open, or frequently wakes up with a dry mouth, consult your pediatric dentist. Early guidance and care can support healthy dental development and overall well-being.
Skipping Night-Time Brushing (and Flossing)
Bedtime can be hectic, but skipping that final brush leaves plaque and bacteria free to accumulate overnight—especially in tight spaces between teeth.
What you can do: Make brushing and flossing part of your child’s wind-down routine. Even a few extra minutes can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Supervise children under 7—or older kids who have a history of cavities—to ensure proper brushing and flossing.
Delaying Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Baby teeth play an important role in speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place. Missing regular visits may delay detection of early cavities, bite variations, or other dental developments that are easier to support when caught early. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach, keeping smiles bright and healthy.
What you can do: Schedule dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. Regular visits help children become comfortable with dental care while keeping their teeth and gums in great shape.
Back-to-School, Back to Healthy Smiles
As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to get back on track with your child’s oral care. Small changes at home—combined with expert guidance from your dental team—can make a big difference in protecting their growing smile.
Is your child due for a dental check-up?
Book an appointment with our pediatric dental team at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers today and start the school year with confidence!
