As a parent, your child’s well-being is always top of mind—from what they eat, to how well they sleep, to how confident they feel. But one area that’s sometimes overlooked in the whirlwind of parenting? Their oral health. Helping your child build healthy dental habits early on is one of the best gifts you can give them. Not only does it lay the groundwork for a bright smile, but it also supports their speech development, chewing ability, and even self-esteem.

At Floss Academy, Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer are here to partner with you in this journey. Whether your child is just cutting their first tooth or already flashing a full set of pearly whites, we’re sharing simple, age-appropriate tips to help you keep their teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free.

Start Early with Good Oral Hygiene

It may surprise some parents to learn that dental care begins before your child even has teeth. But those early months are the perfect time to build gentle routines that set the stage for a lifetime of oral wellness.

Here’s how to get started from day one:

• Wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and milk residue.
  
  
• Introduce brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in.
  
  
• Establish a twice-daily routine—once in the morning and once before bed.
  
  
• Make brushing a bonding moment. Hold your child, talk to them, sing a song, or mirror the motion to build trust and familiarity.
  
  

As they grow, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized dollop and encourage them to brush on their own under your supervision. By age 6–8, most children can brush independently—but keep checking in to make sure they’re doing a thorough job.

Make Flossing a Priority, Too

Brushing alone doesn’t clean between teeth where cavities often form. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. While it may seem tricky at first, there are plenty of kid-friendly flossers and floss picks that make the job easier.

Why flossing matters:

• Removes food particles and plaque where the toothbrush can’t reach.
  
  
• Prevents gum inflammation and early signs of gingivitis.
  
  
• Establishes a complete hygiene routine from an early age.
  
  

Try flossing your child’s teeth while they’re lying down, or let them try it on a stuffed animal first to make the process more fun and approachable.

Encourage a Balanced, Tooth-Friendly Diet

You probably already know that sugar isn’t great for your child’s teeth—but it’s not just about skipping candy. Everyday snacks, juices, and even certain “healthy” foods can sneak in added sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria.

Support strong teeth with these smart nutritional habits:

• Stick to whole foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins promote better oral and overall health.
  
  
• Offer cheese, milk, or yogurt. These dairy products are rich in calcium and help neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
  
  
• Avoid sticky, starchy snacks. Foods like crackers, dried fruit, and granola bars tend to linger on teeth and feed plaque bacteria.
  
  
• Encourage water. It rinses away food particles, supports saliva production, and hydrates without sugar.
  
  

Limit juice to no more than 4 ounces a day for toddlers and young children—and serve it with meals rather than as a frequent between-meal drink.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits Early

Your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. These early appointments are essential for monitoring development, catching potential issues, and building familiarity with the dental environment.

At Floss Academy, our team goes the extra mile to make dental visits feel safe, positive, and even fun.

Benefits of regular dental checkups include:

• Early intervention. Prevent minor concerns from turning into major problems.
  
  
• Personalized guidance. Get expert advice tailored to your child’s brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.
  
  
• Professional cleaning. Removes plaque and tartar buildup that’s hard to reach at home.
  
  
• Preventive treatments. We may recommend fluoride treatments or sealants for added protection.
  
  

Aim to visit our Chicago pediatric dentist every six months—even if your child isn’t experiencing any issues. These checkups are key to prevention and confidence-building.

Make Dental Care Fun and Engaging

Getting kids excited about brushing and flossing might feel like a stretch—but with the right tools and a little creativity, it’s totally possible. Turning oral hygiene into a game or family ritual can help your child feel empowered and motivated.

Try these fun strategies:

• Let them choose their own toothbrush with their favorite character or color.
  
  
• Use music or brushing apps that time the process and make it interactive.
  
  
• Create a reward chart and celebrate consistency with stickers or small prizes.
  
  
• Tell stories or create a brushing buddy—maybe their favorite superhero or animal also brushes their teeth!
  
  

The more positive and consistent the experience, the more likely your child is to stick with it as they grow older.

Set a Positive Example

Kids learn by watching you. If you make oral hygiene a priority, they’re more likely to do the same. Let them see you brushing and flossing daily, talk about why dental health matters, and treat your own dental visits as normal and important—not scary or optional.

Modeling healthy habits not only sets the tone for your child’s own routines but also strengthens your bond through shared activities and mutual care.

Know What to Watch For

Even with excellent home care, dental issues can still arise. Being aware of the signs of common pediatric dental problems can help you act early and get your child the care they need.

Keep an eye out for:

• White spots on teeth, which may be the early stages of decay.
  
  
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
  
  
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing.
  
  
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
  
  
• Tooth pain or reluctance to eat.
  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule a visit with your child’s dentist right away.

We’re Here for Your Child’s Smile in Chicago

At Floss Academy, we believe every child deserves to grow up with a healthy, confident smile and that starts with the right habits, support, and dental team. Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer are experienced in caring for children of all ages and make every appointment feel welcoming and empowering.

Our Chicago practice is built around the needs of families, with a kid-friendly environment and a focus on prevention, education, and compassionate care. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s first visit or need a new dental home for your growing family, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at (312) 584-0447 to schedule your child’s next checkup and take the next step toward lifelong oral health. Let’s build healthy habits—together.