Most parents know the basics of children’s oral care: brush twice a day, limit sweets and don’t skip dental checkups. Yet, dental experts warn that it’s often the small, easy-to-miss habits in daily routines that quietly increase the risk of tooth decay.
The scale of the problem is significant. According to the World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Status Report, untreated decay in baby teeth affects more than 500 million children worldwide, often leading to pain, infection and developmental challenges.
Health authorities continue to call for a shift away from reactive dental treatment toward prevention that forms part of a child’s everyday wellness routine.
As National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed this February, attention is turning from the occasional sugary treat to repeated daily patterns, says Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City’s national clinic executive, particularly how often children snack, what they sip and how home routines are structured.
“Parents are often doing many things right, but modern lifestyles, busy schedules, on-the-go snacks and constant sipping can create repeated acid exposure in the mouth. It’s not only about the quantity of sugar, but the frequency,” she explains.
“Tooth decay remains one of the most common childhood health conditions globally, yet it is largely preventable. The key lies in adjusting daily habits, not only dental products.”
Kruger shares practical ways parents can correct everyday habits that quietly damage children’s teeth:
All-day snacking
Continuous eating keeps teeth under near-constant acid attack, with little time for enamel to recover between bites. Structured meals and planned snack times give teeth a chance to rebalance.
Slow sipping habits
Juice, flavoured milk and sweetened drinks sipped slowly – especially from bottles or sippy cups – prolong sugar exposure on teeth. Keep sweet drinks to mealtimes where possible, and offer water between meals instead.
Sticky ‘health’ snacks
Dried fruit, sticky snack bars and fruit leathers may sound nutritious, but they cling to teeth and fuel bacteria for longer. Fresh fruit, plain yoghurt and crunchy vegetables are gentler choices for teeth.
Screen-time snacking
When children eat while watching screens, they tend to snack more often and for longer without noticing. Keeping meals and snacks at the table and separate from screens helps reduce mindless grazing.
Sports drinks for young children
Many sports drinks contain hidden sugars and acids that weaken enamel, and most young children simply don’t need them. For everyday play and activity, water is usually more than enough.
Putting off the first dental visit
Many parents wait until milk teeth start falling out or a problem appears before booking a dental appointment, but this can be too late for early prevention. Dentists recommend a first visit by age 1, or when the first tooth appears. Early dental assessments help detect risks, guide parents on cleaning techniques and diet, and normalise dental visits for children – reducing anxiety and preventable problems later in childhood.
“Healthy smiles are built through consistent routines, not perfect days. When parents adjust daily habits early, the long-term benefits for children’s oral and overall health are significant,” Kruger concludes.
Image credit: Freepik
