By Patrick Verkland – CEO of The Humble Co., the Swedish sustainable oral care brand.
Good oral health starts early. The habits your child develops in their early years set the stage for their dental health as an adult. But helping children build these habits can be challenging. especially since childhood tooth decay is extremely common. The good news is that with some understanding of the causes, and by following expert advice, parents can prevent many problems and create routines that stick.
Why Childhood Tooth Decay Is So Common
Cavities are the most widespread chronic disease among children. Several factors explain why young teeth are so vulnerable:
Sugary foods and drinks: Frequent snacks like candies, juices, and sweetened cereals feed bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria turn sugar into acid, which erodes tooth enamel.
Baby bottle habits: Toddlers who are put to bed with bottles of milk or juice, or who sip sugary drinks for long periods, are at risk for “baby bottle tooth decay.” This often affects the upper front teeth.
Delayed oral care: Many parents don’t realise that cleaning should begin before the first tooth erupts. Without daily cleaning, plaque builds up quickly on baby teeth,
which are thinner and less resistant than adult teeth.
Lack of fluoride: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, but children who don’t get enough through toothpaste or drinking water are more prone to decay.
Socioeconomic barriers: Families with limited access to dental care or healthy food options often face higher rates of untreated cavities.
In short, kids get cavities easily because their teeth are exposed to sugar often, and sometimes they aren’t cleaned or protected with fluoride as effectively as needed.
Dental experts stress that starting early, and keeping things positive, is key to forming lifelong habits. Here are practical strategies for parents:
1. Begin Oral Care in Infancy
- Wipe an infant’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear.
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
- Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age one.
2. Make Brushing Fun
- Let kids choose colourful toothbrushes or toothpaste flavours, like those from The Humble Co.
- Play music, use a sand timer, or try a brushing app to keep them engaged for the full two minutes.
- Turn it into a game, some parents make brushing a game or tell a story: for example, pretend the toothbrush is a superhero “fighting sugar bugs.” Such creative approaches can engage young kids in the habit.
3. Offer Praise and Rewards
- Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Simple praise (“Your teeth look so clean!”) motivates young children.
- Sticker charts or small weekly rewards can help older toddlers and preschoolers stay consistent. The goal is to frame oral hygiene as a fun and proud activity, not a chore.
4. Brush and Floss Together
- Young children learn by imitating parents, therefore dentists often encourage parents to brush their teeth alongside their kids to model good technique and consistency.
- Make it a family routine after breakfast and before bed.
- Let your child “help” you brush your teeth, then switch and help them with theirs.
- Seeing you floss and brush regularly reinforces that these habits are a lifelong part of daily self-care.
5. Supervise Until They’re Ready
- Children don’t have the fine motor skills to brush effectively on their own until roughly age 6 or 7. Experts advise parents to continue helping children brush (or closely watching and finishing up missed spots) until at least that age.
- For flossing, parents should do it for the child until the child is old enough to do it well (often around age 10)
- Make it a team effort – for example, you might let your child brush first, then you do a “parent’s turn” to make sure every tooth is clean.
By starting early, making brushing and flossing enjoyable, and staying involved, parents can prevent most cavities and set their children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, regular flossing, and routine dental visits are proven to reduce cavities and build strong oral hygiene habits.
About the expert
Patrick Verkland is the CEO of The Humble Co., the Swedish sustainable oral care brand that has grown into a global leader in making healthy habits accessible for all. Having risen from sales to CEO, Patrick has overseen record growth and international expansion while keeping Humble’s mission at the forefront: providing high-quality, eco-friendly oral care that benefits both people and the planet.
