Transitioning your kids into kindergarten is a big milestone for them—and for you. There are new routines, new friends, and lots of new things to learn. It also means that your child should have some strong dental habits in place.
By this age, kids can maintain an oral hygiene routine—with gentle prompting, of course. Taking good care of their teeth can not only prevent cavities that could disrupt their time in school, but also build confidence for all the new adventures that await.
If you are ready to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, here are the top 5 dental habits they should have.
1. Proper Brushing—Twice a Day
Kids know they need to brush their teeth. Getting in the habit of brushing when they wake up and before bed is something parents can help with. Whether or not they actually use the right technique is an entirely different story.
Some form of brushing is better than none at all, but to get the biggest benefit and keep oral health strong, kids going into kindergarten should know how to brush their teeth properly. At this age, brushing should still be a team effort. Supervision is vital: after your child finishes brushing, parents must step in and brush again to ensure the cleaning is truly thorough. Encourage your child to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes, reaching all areas of their mouth.
2. Learning to Floss
Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene as it removes food particles between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Unfortunately, it is something that many adults never got into the habit of doing. By teaching your child how to floss early, it can become second nature as they get older.
Help them by demonstrating and then giving them the floss to hold. Little hands often do better with floss picks that are designed for kids. Find what works for your kindergartener and make it a routine.
3. Ditch the Sugary Snacks and Drinks
There is no denying that kids love juice packs, fruit snacks, and crackers—all items that tend to fit perfectly in a kid’s lunchbox. However, limiting the sugary stuff can decrease their risk of cavities.
Teach your child the value of water and introduce them to crunchy fruits and veggies that will keep their teeth clean. Does this mean they can never have a sweet treat? Absolutely not. Just limit the amount and frequency and ensure proper brushing and flossing.
4. Routine Dental Visits
By the time your child is going into kindergarten, they should have an established relationship with a pediatric dentist. They should also be in the habit of having a professional cleaning and exam every six months. This will not only keep them familiar with the dental office environment, but also the procedures and the people.
This routine care can allow the dentist to monitor development, clean any plaque and tartar, and address areas of concern before they become a bigger issue.
5. Celebrate the Wins
Healthy habits can stick around long-term, especially if they are instilled early. Getting in the habit of celebrating small wins can make oral health care feel more rewarding. For instance, get the whole family involved and celebrate cavity-free dental visits and consistent oral hygiene care.
Remember, parents—kids always mimic what they see. And, working to maintain a healthy smile is no exception. Lead by example so that your child will prioritize their oral health as they move into this new phase in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child resists brushing—what should I do?
If you struggle with getting your little one to follow through with brushing, try making it fun. Let them pick out their own age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. Use timing videos and songs. Create reward charts. The list is endless. Find what works for your family.
To address major resistance, especially in infants and toddlers, you may need the "Knee-to-Knee" technique with another adult. This involves both of you sitting facing each other to securely stabilize the child while one adult brushes. If the baby clenches their jaw, use the handle of the second toothbrush as a gentle mouth prop by inserting it just behind the back teeth to keep the mouth open while the other adult brushes. Don't worry if they fuss—a minute of crying is better than a lifetime of dental issues!
At what age should my child first see the dentist?
Dentists recommend that kids have their first visit with the dentist by the time they are one year of age—or within six months of their first tooth eruption.
At Pediatric Dentistry Kahala, we love helping children grow strong, healthy smiles and feel good about caring for their teeth. We work hard to be patient-focused and make visits fun and comfortable for kids of all ages. When it is time for your little one’s checkup, we are here. Request an appointment today.