Best Practices for Healthy Children’s Teeth

At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we know that helping your child build strong, healthy teeth is about more than just brushing—it’s about creating lifelong habits. As parents, you play the most important role in setting the foundation for your child’s dental health. With a little knowledge (and a lot of encouragement), you can make sure their smiles shine bright for years to come.

Below, Dr. Dan Hoang, board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Campfire Smiles, shares practical, down-to-earth advice on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy from the start.

1. Start Early and Stay Consistent

Good dental care begins before your child’s first tooth even comes in. Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings helps remove bacteria and sets the stage for healthy oral hygiene.

As soon as that first tooth erupts, start brushing twice a day with a soft, child-sized toothbrush. If using a fluoride toothpaste, make sure to only use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste since your child is not spitting well yet. Once your child can spit consistently—usually around age three—you can increase to a pea-sized amount.

It is age and developmentally appropriate for your baby/toddler to fight you when brushing. The key here? Consistency. Brushing twice a day, every day, helps prevent cavities and keeps gums healthy. Think of it as a small investment of time that pays off with fewer tears, fewer dental bills, and a lifetime of healthy habits.

Dr. Dan promises every parent that they will always prefer their child is sad because they’re brushing their teeth, than sad because Dr. Dan is fixing a tooth.

2. Make Flossing a Fun Routine

Flossing might not be every kid’s favorite activity, but it’s essential once teeth start touching AKA the contact between them is closed. Food and bacteria love to hide between teeth—places a toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing is especially important around 2–3 years old when the second molars (AKA 2-year molars) are fully erupted, all the way in the back. This area is where most of the chewing happens and where most of the food gets packed in. It is also a difficult place for the dental team to evaluate because, as all parents know, back x-rays are uncomfortable and your toddler is unlikely to tolerate it. Because Dr. Dan and his team are not going to force your child to take a back x-ray, there is a period of time where they cannot evaluate the health status between the teeth. So there is always an emphasis on flossing!

The best floss to use is the one your child will let you use the most. In general, Dr. Dan recommends using floss picks for younger kids; they’re easier for little hands to manage. Turn it into a game, play a short song, or floss together as a family. Kids are more likely to stick with it if they see you doing it too.

3. Watch the Sugar

We get it—kids love snacks. But sugar is the main fuel for the bacteria that cause cavities. Instead of eliminating sweets altogether (we’re realistic parents, too!), try focusing on moderation and timing. We want to reduce the total intake as well as the frequency of added sugars.

• Offer treats immediately after meals instead of as stand-alone snacks.
  
• Limit sticky snacks that cling to teeth like candies, fruit snacks and crackers. Although not traditionally thought of as sweet, the carbohydrates in crackers and pretzels are also sugars.
  
• Encourage water instead of juice or soda—especially between meals.
  

When kids understand why sugar matters, it’s easier for them to make smarter choices. Dr. Dan likes to explain it this way: “Cavity bugs love to eat sugar and if they eat a lot, they need to go potty. If you feed them too much sugar, the cavity bugs will go potty on your teeth!” Simple, visual, and memorable.

4. Regular Checkups Are Key

Even if your child’s teeth look fine, regular dental visits are vital. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist by their first birthday and every six months after that.

At Campfire Smiles, we focus on creating a calm, fun, and welcoming environment. Whether your child is a nervous first-timer or a seasoned pro, our team takes time to explain everything and build trust—because a positive dental experience now can shape how your child feels about dental care for life.

5. Protect Their Smile

For kids involved in sports, a mouthguard is something to be considered. It can prevent chips, fractures, and other injuries.

For little ones still learning to brush effectively, routine fluoride treatments and dental sealants offer an extra layer of protection against cavities.

We also use tools like silver diamine fluoride to prevent early signs of decay/cavities from progressing, and space maintainers to guide proper growth when baby teeth are lost prematurely—whether from cavities or dental trauma—helping avoid orthodontic issues later.

6. Lead by Example

Kids watch what you do more than what you say. If they see you brushing and flossing daily, they’ll follow your lead. Make dental care a family routine—morning and night—and celebrate the small wins.

Remember, oral health is part of overall health. A healthy mouth means better sleep, easier eating, and more confident smiles.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment with Campfire Smiles in Colorado Springs

At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care tailored to your child’s unique needs. Located in beautiful Colorado Springs, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dan Hoang and our friendly team. Let us partner with you in ensuring your child’s smile remains bright and healthy. Call us today at (719) 490-8881 to book your visit and take the first step towards a lifetime of excellent oral health for your child.