Is your kid hooked on sweets? Do they skimp on brushing their teeth properly or fall asleep without brushing at all? We’re all guilty of these slip-ups, but how can we make sure our kids don’t fall into bad habits? Here’s how to overcome the most common dental no-nos.
FALLING ASLEEP WITHOUT BRUSHING
One of the most common problems dentists see is kids who fall asleep without brushing their teeth. “Some of the consequences of skipping your nighttime oral hygiene routine are increased plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and increased staining,” says Dr. David Caggiano of Caggiano Orthodontics in Parsippany. “Studies show that there is a direct link between oral health and overall health, including connections between gum disease, diabetes and respiratory problems, among others.”
How to break the habit: Dr. Hassam Sultan of Dentistry for Children in Clifton says your kids should set a clear intention before bedtime, and you should help them create a bedtime routine that makes brushing and flossing non-negotiable. “Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste visibly accessible to serve as a reminder,” he says. “If fatigue is a barrier, try brushing earlier in the evening. Additionally, remind yourself of the fresh feeling and oral health benefits that come with clean teeth.”
NOT FLOSSING
Flossing properly requires manual dexterity that many kids don’t have and need help with. By age 10 or 11, most kids can handle flossing on their own but usually have trouble with consistency.
How to break the habit: “Set achievable goals, like flossing once a day, and gradually increase frequency,” says Dr. Sultan. “Keep floss readily accessible and use reminders to establish a routine. Learn the correct flossing technique and pair it with an existing habit, such as brushing.”
EATING FOODS WITH TOO MUCH SUGAR
Kids love candy, desserts and sugar-filled drinks, but too much sugar can wreak havoc on dental hygiene.
How to break the habit: Make sure your kids avoid juices, sugary foods and snacking before bed–or at least drink water and brush after eating sweets to remove some of the sugar, says Dr. Nihal Kamel of Aesthetic Dental Solutions in Cranbury. “I like candy, too…but I will brush after I eat a piece of candy.”
Dr. Sultan agrees, saying it’s how often your kids consume sugar that’s the issue.
Teens who have braces or Invisalign should not snack on anything too hard and keep their aligners rinsed and clean, especially after eating sugar-filled treats.
“Track your snacking patterns to identify triggers and moments of mindless eating. Replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious options and keep them readily available. Stick to structured meal times and use smaller portions to control snacking urges,” says Dr. Sultan. “Stay hydrated to differentiate between thirst and hunger. Practice mindful eating by focusing on each bite. Find alternative activities to combat boredom or stress without resorting to snacks.”
Dilute juice with water or buy lower-sugar alternatives. You should also give your kids real, fresh fruit vs. bottled juice from a box.
And don’t let your baby go to bed with a bottle because the milk can stay on their teeth, and can affect how they come in.
THUMBSUCKING
Thumbsucking can lead to issues once your kid’s permanent teeth come in since the force of the thumb can push teeth forward. The older your child gets, the more problematic this habit can become.
How to break the habit: Identify triggers that are prompting the action, such as boredom, stress or anxiety, says Dr. Sultan, who is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. Limit access by creating barriers such as using gloves, Band-Aids or thumb guards so kids find sucking their fingers less appealing, he says. You can also provide a distraction, such as playing together or giving them a comforting object.
NOT WEARING A MOUTHGUARD DURING SPORTS
“The most obvious and common consequence of not wearing a mouthguard is the increased risk of dental injuries. Impact or collisions during sports can cause broken, chipped or knocked-out teeth, as well as injuries to the lips, tongue and soft tissues inside the mouth,” says Dr. Caggiano. “Although mouthguards primarily protect the teeth and mouth, they also help reduce the risk of concussions by providing some cushioning during impact.”
How to break the habit: Talk to your kid about what can go wrong if they don’t wear their mouthguard. Dr. Sultan says your kid should encourage teammates to wear mouthguards, too, making it a true team sport.
GETTING A LIP OR TONGUE PIERCING
A lip or tongue piercing poses significant dental concerns. “It increases the risk of infection due to the piercing’s open wound, which can lead to oral infections, gum disease and even systemic health issues,” says Dr. Sultan.
Talk to your kids about the ramifications of getting a piercing. “Swelling and pain are common post-piercing, potentially affecting speech, eating and oral hygiene practices. The jewelry itself can cause damage to teeth and gums,” says Dr. Sultan. “Lip jewelry can chip or crack teeth, and tongue jewelry can rub against the gums, leading to recession or damage. Regular contact between jewelry and the oral tissues may also increase the risk of irritation, allergies and inflammation in the mouth.”
Dr. Caggiano also warns that although a tongue piercing temporarily impacts your speech, sometimes it can cause a change in pattern of speech that persists.
REMEMBER TO SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY
You should see your dentist every six months–not just when there’s an issue or emergency, says Dr. Kamel, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Bring your child in for the first time around 1-2 years old, even though they don’t have many teeth. She recommends getting check-ups early on, not just for cavity prevention and treatment, but also in case orthodontic treatment is needed. “One of the worst things we’re seeing right now is kids have a lot of bad habits that they never had before. Whether it’s stress from COVID, I don’t know, but kids are grinding and chewing on things more,” she says.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND YOUR KIDS
Breaking a habit for any family member takes time, so patience is key. “Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally,” Dr. Sultan says. “Just refocus on your goals and continue working towards better dental habits….Remember that good dental habits are essential for your overall health, so it’s worth the effort to break the habit of not brushing or not brushing properly. Over time, these habits will become second nature, leading to improved oral health and a brighter smile.”