As parents, we do our best to keep our children healthy—making sure they eat well, sleep enough, and get their regular check-ups. But when it comes to their oral health, there are several everyday habits and conditions that can quietly affect their growing smiles.
Here are four common (but often overlooked) factors that may be impacting your child’s teeth and gums:
Table of Contents
Snacking Too Often (Even on “Healthy” Foods)
When it comes to cavities, 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), provides a constant fuel source for cavity-causing bacteria. These items tend to cling to the teeth or keep sugar levels elevated in the mouth, creating an ideal environment for tooth decay.
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 dry mouth, reducing the saliva that normally protects teeth from decay and gum disease. Mouth breathing is commonly linked to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or jaw development issues.
Additionally, mouth breathing can contribute to sleep apnea, affect speech development, and potentially lead to behavioral and learning difficulties. It’s important to note that snoring is not normal in children
What you can do: If your child snores, sleeps with their mouth open, or frequently wakes up with a dry mouth, consult your child’s pediatric dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term dental problems and support healthy growth and development.
Skipping Night-Time Brushing (and Flossing)
We know bedtime can be a challenge—especially after a long day. But skipping that final brush gives plaque and bacteria a full night to do their damage, particularly since saliva production drops while we sleep. And if your child has tight spaces between their teeth (which many do), brushing alone won’t remove the food particles and plaque trapped in between.
What you can do: Make brushing and flossing part of your child’s wind-down routine, even on the busiest nights. It only takes a few extra minutes, but it can help prevent cavities between teeth and protect their smile in the long run. Don’t forget to supervise children under the age of 7—or even older kids if they’ve had a history of cavities—to make sure brushing and flossing are done properly.
Delaying Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Baby teeth play an important role in your child’s speech, chewing, and guiding the proper growth of adult teeth. Delaying regular dental visits means missing early signs of cavities, bite problems, or other developmental issues that are easier to treat when caught early. Regular professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t eliminate, which helps prevent dental cavities and gum disease—and consequently reduces the need for extensive restorative procedures later on.
What you can do: Schedule dental check-ups and cleanings every six months with your pediatric dentist. These visits not only keep your child’s teeth healthy but also help them become comfortable with dental care, reducing anxiety for future treatments.
Back-to-School, Back to Healthy Smiles
Now that summer is winding down and routines are settling in, 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 go a long way 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!
