Essential Smart Dental Habits to Teach Your Child for Life
                     6 Smart Dental Habits 
to Teach Your Child 
BEuialdinrgl lyifelong oral health begins in childhood. 
The habits your children develop now will shape 
their dental health for decades to come. This guide 
will walk you through six essential dental habits 
that every child should learn from an early age.
Why Start Early? The Foundation of a 
Healthy Smile
A Common Problem Baby Teeth Matter Prevention is 
Tooth decay is the most They guide adult teeth into KEaeryly habits prevent 
common chronic childhood position, aid speech cavities, gum disease, and 
disease in the U.S., development, enable proper costly dental problems later 
affecting over 40% of kids chewing, and contribute to in life.
by kindergarten. self-confidence.
Habit 1:Clean Gums Before Teeth 
Appear
Start oral care even before the first tooth erupts 
by gently wiping your baby's gums twice daily with 
a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
This simple practice removes bacteria and sugars 
that can cause decay, creating an environment 
where teeth can emerge healthy.
Beyond prevention, this routine establishes a 
positive oral care foundation from infancy, making 
the transition to toothbrushing more natural.
Habit 2: Brush Twice Daily 
with Fluoride Toothpaste
Start Early
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears 
(around 6 months).
Right 
UAsme oau rnicte-grain sized smear of fluoride 
toothpaste until age 3; then increase to pea-
sized after.
Proper Technique
Brush after breakfast and before bedtime; 
teach your child to spit, not rinse to maximize 
fluoride protection.
Habit 3: Floss When Teeth 
Touch
The moment two teeth come into contact with 
each other, it's time to introduce flossing to 
your child's dental routine. These tight spaces 
between teeth can't be reached by a toothbrush 
aClhoinlde-.friendly flossers with colorful handles or 
picks shaped like animals make the process 
more engaging and manageable for small 
hRaengdusla.r flossing prevents interproximal cavities 
(those forming between teeth) and promotes 
healthy gum development – problems that can 
become painful and expensive if neglected.
Habit 4:
Avoid Sugary Bottles and 
Snacks
Bedtime Bottles Limit Sugar Exposure
Never put your child to bed Restrict sugary drinks and 
with a bottle containing snacks that feed cavity-
anything but water. Milk, causing bacteria. It's not 
juice, or formula can pool in just the amount of sugar 
the mouth during sleep, but how frequently it's 
causing "bottle rot" decay. consumed that matters.
Smart Snacking
Encourage tooth-friendly 
options like crunchy fruits, 
vegetables, cheese, and 
yogurt. These foods can 
actually strengthen teeth 
and stimulate saliva 
production.
Habit 5:
Regular Dental Visits Starting Early
First Visit Timing
Schedule your child's first dental appointment 
by their first birthday or within 6 months after 
the first tooth erupts – whichever comes first.
Benefits of Early Checkups
• Identify problems before they become 
serious
• Build comfort with dental environments
• Receive personalized preventive advice
Between Visits
Pediatricians can apply fluoride varnish every 6 
months during well-child visits to provide 
additional protection against cavities.
Reach Us At
A New Smile Dental 
CKeenntdearll
14050 SW 84th St Ste 
103, Miami, FL 33183
(305) 383-9944
North Miami
12535 W Dixie Hwy 
North Miami, FL 33161
(305) 531-1633
ANewSmileDentalCenter.com