With all that activity, it’s important to keep children’s teeth healthy and safe. Good dental habits and simple safety steps can prevent cavities and painful dental injuries.
There are easy ways families can protect their children’s smiles every day.
Why is dental care important for children?
Baby teeth are important! They help children chew, speak clearly, and hold space for adult teeth. Baby teeth usually begin to erupt around 6 months of age, and most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3.1
Cavities (also called tooth decay) are one of the most common childhood health problems.2 Cavities can cause pain, infection, trouble eating, and missed school days.
Tooth decay happens when sugar from food and drinks mixes with bacteria in the mouth. This creates acid that damages the teeth. The good news is that cavities are preventable with healthy habits.3
When should my child see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in.3
After that first visit, children should see the dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings. Early visits help prevent problems and teach children that dental care is an important part of staying healthy.
How can we prevent cavities at home?
Healthy habits start early. Here’s what families can do:
1. Start fluoride early and brush twice a day.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Children can begin receiving fluoride varnish in the pediatrician’s or dentist’s office as soon as the first tooth erupts.1
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that fluoride varnish is safe and effective for infants and young children.
You can read more here.
Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s important to begin a healthy oral care routine. After each feeding, gently wipe your infant’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad.1 This helps remove bacteria and gets your baby used to daily oral care. When the first tooth erupts, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and begin brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.4
At home:
- Brush twice a day (morning and before bed).
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Under 3 years: a smear (about the size of a grain of rice)
- 3 years and older: a pea-sized amount
Parents should help or supervise brushing until about age 8, when children usually have better hand control.3
2. Floss once a day.
Flossing removes food and plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
3. Limit sugary drinks and snacks and avoid bottles in bed.
Avoid juice, soda, sports drinks, and sticky candy, especially before bedtime. Sugar that stays on the teeth overnight can lead to cavities.3 Offer water between meals and at night. In Miami’s warm weather, water is always the healthiest choice!
Additionally, putting your child to sleep with a bottle allows the sugars found in formula and even breast milk to linger on the teeth, setting the stage for tooth decay. In fact, many doctors and dentists refer to early cavities as “baby bottle tooth decay.”4 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding bottles at bedtime once teeth erupt and instead establishing a calming bedtime routine that does not involve feeding.4
4. Use mouthwash at the right age
Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel, but it’s not recommended for children under 6 years old because they may swallow it.
- Ages 6–12: Use an alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash if recommended by a dentist.
- Teens: Can transition to regular fluoride mouthwash.
How can we build healthy dental habits for life?
Brushing your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity and consistency, it can become a positive part of your family’s daily routine.
- Make it fun. Play a favorite song or use a two-minute timer to turn brushing into a mini dance party.
- Brush together as a family. Children learn by example. When they see parents and siblings brushing daily, it reinforces that it’s an important habit.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise good brushing and celebrate consistency. A sticker chart or small reward system can help motivate younger children.
- Keep dental visits positive. Speak about the dentist in an encouraging way and avoid using visits as a threat. Early positive experiences build lifelong comfort with dental care.
How can we prevent dental injuries?
Active kids can sometimes get hurt. Falls, bike accidents, and sports injuries can damage teeth.
Here are ways to protect your child’s smile:
Wear a mouthguard during sports
Children who play contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, or martial arts should wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and can prevent broken or knocked-out teeth.5,6
Dentists can make custom mouthguards that fit better and offer more protection. Store-bought “boil and bite” mouthguards are also helpful.6
Wear helmets when biking or skating
Helmets protect the head and can also reduce injury to the face and mouth.
Childproof your home
Use safety gates for toddlers and keep floors clear of clutter to prevent falls
Never use teeth as tools
Teach children not to open packages or bottles with their teeth.
What should I do if my child injures a tooth?
If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or becomes loose due to injury, contact your dentist promptly.5 (This does not include baby teeth that are naturally loose and close to falling out.)
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
- Hold the tooth by the top (the crown), not the root (the part attached to the gums).
- Gently rinse it with water if dirty. Do not scrub.
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible.
- If not, put it in milk or saliva and go to your dentist or an emergency dentist immediately.
Acting quickly can make a big difference. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if your child sees a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.6
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back in. Call your dentist for guidance.5
Go to the emergency room if there is heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of a head injury.
Healthy teeth help children smile confidently, eat comfortably, and stay focused in school. By starting early and taking simple safety steps, families can protect their children’s smiles for years to come.
For more information on dental safety, you can also call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Teething and dental hygiene. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). AAP identifies key risk factors for tooth decay in children. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Brushing up on oral health: Never too early to start. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). How to prevent tooth decay in your baby. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2021). Policy on preventive guidance: Mouthguards/sports dental safety. aapd.org.
- American Dental Association. (2026). Athletic mouth protectors (mouthguards). ADA.org.
