care for child's teeth
care for child's teeth

7 Practical Daily Tips For Helping Your Child Care Their Teeth

Are you wondering how you can protect your kids’ teeth from plaque, tartar, and other vital causes of cavities and tooth decay?

As a parent, it’s your job to ensure your children are healthy and well. Since babies and toddlers don’t know how to care for their teeth, their oral health relies on you. This is why it’s so vital for you to understand how to care for your child’s teeth and gums.

Without proper dental hygiene, you put your kids at risk of suffering from cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and so on. And poor dental hygiene in kids usually leads to poor dental hygiene in adults. 

So, how can you ensure optimal oral health for your children, so they grow with strong, healthy teeth?

In this article, you will discover seven helpful tips to care for your child’s teeth, as advised by the best family dentist in Leander, Texas.

Get ready to find out how you can keep your kids’ teeth healthy for years to come. 

Table of Contents

Tip #1 Care Your Child’s Teeth From Day One


Do you know when to start brushing your kids’ teeth?

You can expect your child’s first baby tooth to erupt anywhere between four to seven months of age. On average, baby teeth come in around six months old.

While you should start caring for your child’s teeth right away, you should not use toothpaste immediately. 

Why? Because baby teeth are sensitive.

On top of that, babies do not understand not to swallow toothpaste. If too much toothpaste gets swallowed, this can create excessive fluoride in the body. While some fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, too much will harm it. 

You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth by wiping them with a soft cloth or using a small, soft bristle toothbrush with water. 

So, at what age should a kid start brushing their teeth with toothpaste?

Once your child reaches 18 months, it’s safe to start brushing with toothpaste. Use a low-fluoride toothpaste to avoid weakened enamel.

Pro Tip: You will probably need to assist your child in brushing until they reach seven years old. Always be present at teeth brushing time to ensure they’re brushing correctly. 

Tip #2 Teach Your Kids Healthy Brushing Habits From A Young Age

 

Are you introducing healthy brushing habits to your child’s daily routine? 

It’s important for you to teach kids how to brush the right way so they don’t grow up with the wrong teeth-brushing technique. 

As a reminder, you should teach your kids to…

  • Brush 2-3 times per day
  • Spend two full minutes brushing every tooth
  • Floss daily (when age-appropriate)
  • Switch toothbrushes regularly (every three months)

Pro Tip: You can make teeth brushing time fun for your kids by downloading an app or creating a game that encourages them to brush for two minutes.

Tip #3 Limit Sugary Foods And Drinks From Your Kids’ Diet 

As you probably know, excess sugar intake is a key cause of cavities in kids.

If you want to significantly decrease your child’s chance of developing tooth decay, limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you allow your child to ingest each day. 

Here are some of the worst foods and drinks for kids’ teeth:

  • Ice
  • Candy
  • Soda and juice 
  • Dried fruits and other sticky foods
  • Potato chips and other starchy snacks 

Did you know starchy foods like bread, pasta, and potato chips can also cause cavities in kids? The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar, so these foods cause just as much harm as candy and juice. 

Tip #4 Introduce Healthy Vitamins & Minerals To Your Child’s Diet

Want to reverse the harmful effects of sugary, starchy, and acidic foods? 

Like some foods are bad for teeth, some foods are amazing for tooth health. Feed your children foods high in vitamins and minerals to amplify tooth strength. 

Here are some vitamins & minerals that are good for your child’s teeth:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • B vitamins
  • Phosphorous 
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin K

And more.

So, which foods contain healthy vitamins and minerals? Stay tuned. 

What to feed kids for tooth strength:

  • Leafy greens
  • Whole grains 
  • Low-fat dairy products 
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables
  • Protein-rich foods like eggs and chicken

Tip #5 Make Sure Your Kids Drink Water With Fluoride In It


While too much fluoride can be detrimental to your child’s dental hygiene, a safe amount of fluoride goes a long way.

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, the hard mineral layer that protects teeth from chips, cracks, and decay.

To the best part?

You can give your kids fluoride without a battle. Most drinking water contains some level of fluoride that helps ward off plaque and tartar.

Does your drinking water have the right level of fluoride? 

As always, it’s best to do your due diligence and ensure your water isn’t over-fluoridated. This way, you can ensure you don’t give your kids too much fluoride. 

Tip #6 Protect Your Child’s Mouth During Sports And Playtime

Children are active, which means they’re prone to injury.

If your child plays any contact sports, you might want to consider giving them a mouthguard to wear. Mouth guards help avoid dental injury during sports.

Sports-related dental injuries can cause a mouthful of pain; they should not be taken lightly. To avoid tooth loss or oral infection, address oral injuries right away.

Special Note: Apple Springs Family Dentistry responds quickly to your dental emergencies. If you or your child is suffering from a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call us right now at 512-212-9711. 

Tip #7 Start Seeing Your Family Dentist From Year One


Are you waiting too long to take your kid to the dentist?

If you didn’t know, you should take your child to the dentist by the time they turn one year old or six months after their first tooth erupts. 

When you start bringing your child to the dentist from a young age, you will be able to monitor your child’s dental health from the start. Plus, this will help you reduce your child’s fear of the dental chair. 

Schedule Your Pediatric Dentistry Appointment Now


With Apple Springs Family Dentistry, Your New Family Dentist

Is it time for your child’s first dental appointment or their next checkup?

Call 512-212-9711 to schedule a pediatric dental visit with Apple Springs Family Dentistry right now. 

Resource Links: 

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/teeth-care.html

https://healthfinder.gov/healthtopics/category/parenting/doctor-visits/take-care-of-your-childs-teeth

https://familydoctor.org/dental-hygiene-how-to-care-for-your-childs-teeth/

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html

APPLE SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY
OFFICE:
3421 N Lakeline Blvd, Suite 230
Leander, Texas 78641

Phone: (512) 212-9711

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tue: 8am -5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thu: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 1pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

 

Apple Springs Family Dentistry
5.0
Based on 477 reviews
My visit was very pleasant. The entire staff was friendly and ready to answer any questions. Dr. Tay explained different options for treatment and made sure all of my questions were answered. He was very knowledgeable. I believe I have found my new dentist!
Terrie W.
1686062182
They attended me very quickly and thoroughly. The doc gave me a referral to an endodontist.
Sally Z.
1685701977
Staff and Doctor are very friendly and take good care with attention to detail of your dental care and cleaning.
HARIBABU G.
1685109190
Great no complaints
Linda T.
1685026645
Great staff and very pleasant experience. Couldn't be happier. Going to the dentist isn't ever something I look forward to, but these folks are amazing.
George S.
1684092178
Fantastic staff, top tier medical care, the doctor is exactly the way you’d hope your dentist would be. Very very satisfied.
Donald W.
1682433215
Very professional, knowledgeable. Definitely recommended
ingrid V.
1681419694
Dr. Tay is wonderful. He’s gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!
marlo T.
1678985978
Dr. Tay is wonderful. He's gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!
marlo T.
1678960799
Everyone was so amazing. Grace and her cleaning skills! She’s so gentle. I was so nervous, but she made the experience calming. Samantha at the front desk is so sweet! Would refer them to everyone 🙂
Katie A.
1678827365
No one should fear dental work. Particularly, at Apple Springs Family Dentistry. Wonderful group of people from the front office to the back. I was never in any discomfort and, actually, look forward to completing the process. Wonderful to have these professionals in our neighborhood!!
Peg F.
1676309638
We love this place for our Family. Everyone is friendly and professional from the front desk employees to the Dr. Couldn't recommend them enough.
Stephanie E.
1675781276
Everyone is friendly, helpful and kind.
melissa F.
1674961460
Friendly staffs , wonderful service. Thank you.
Darien Ly Nathan Ethan N.
1674763584
My friend recommended me to this dentist, and I waited for 3 months to get an appointment, but it was worth the wait. It was a great experience to get the treatment from them. I will continue my treatment with them.
Shamroz K.
1674751993
This was my first time at Apple Springs Dental. It is a very nice office with a friendly and professional staff. Dr. Tay and Kelsey took good care of my dental needs.
Kim K.
1673986075
Wonderful staff! The dentist isn’t my favorite place to go but my experience was great. Totally recommend!
Jen I.
1672857849
Very friendly Owner and family!
Nicole C.
1672840815
Best dentist in Austin!
Wendy R.
1671636038
Dr Tay from apple springs dentistry is a very good dentist. He takes time to explain clearly to patient his plan of treatment and is willing to take time and answer all questions and concern of patient. He gives alternative treatment to involve patient in deciding for their care. The staff are very professional and knowledgeable too. I’m recommending Dr Tay to my family.
Tes P.
1670956180
Wonderful staff!!! Great and pain-free cleaning by Kelsey. And Dr Tay is super nice, thorough, with a fun and calming presence!
Jo D.
1669826089
Excellent service, both doctors and staff
Christopher S.
1668631757
Dr. Tay and his team are amazing! They were really patient with my 7 yr old who was really scared today due to a lose tooth. Been coming here for 4 years and really happy!!
Katy C.
1668098325
I love this dentistry! The staff is incredibly friendly and you can watch tv during your exam. What I love the most though is that they offer many different cosmetic things but never push you to do them!
Kristen W.
1666920892
Best dental experience EVER! The staff is so nice and professional. The doctor had a cancellation so he actually cleaned my teeth! It was the most thorough exam I've ever had. Definitely recommend
Leena T.
1666908884
Its so funny cause my older daughter loves to see Dr Tay. Not many kids like to see the dentist. Dr. Tay is amazing. He is a very gentle, sweet and honest...
Queenie T.
1666898568
Best dental experience EVER! The staff is so nice and professional. The doctor had a cancellation so he actually cleaned my teeth! It was the most thorough...
Leena T.
1666883751
Always a great experience.
Robin P.
1665704123
This is a dentist office that is my favorite so far as any dentist in Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Let me explain......I broke one of my veneers off and a...
Bonnie H.
1665383150
Dr Tay is one of the best dentists out there. He repaired my front tooth and it looks better than the other one now. His bedside manner is excellent. He's...
Erin J.
1663235661
Fantastic customer service! Dr Tay and his team are so kind and welcoming. Everyone in his office is very patient and happy to answer any questions that we...
Elana M.
1663072891
I'm not a fan of having to go to the dentist but the team at Apple Springs make the experience pleasant. I highly recommend them!
Christy E.
1659538087
Awesome service as usual, the whole staff really makes me feel like family. Thank you!
Veronica T.
1654753107
Love the place, the staff, the service. Very friendly and professional. Also my little girl feels comfortable and safe.
Susana G.
1652970113
Happy with the yearly check up and replacement of 3 crowns. Grreat staff. Would recommend
Ciril B.
1646302272
Thank you so much for giving me my smile back! Love all of the staff here I have anxiety from previous experience at dentist offices but they have restored...
Edie O.
1640992898
Friendly staff and professional service. Efficient in and out, always on schedule, My children and I love going to see Dr Tay and his team!
Lizet G.
1639740267
The entire staff is professional and very kind. I've had some dental challenges from years ago and I am so thankful for Dr. Tay and his very talented...
Terri G.
1639731466
I only went once so far. I'll be back. I have had a bad feeling after only one time at other dentists. With this place, so far so good.
Jeff K.
1638971959
Went very well all things considered. Very clean facility with a polite and courteous staff.
Michelle B.
1638359126
What a great dental office. EVERYONE was so kind, professional and helpful. The office is very clean and I am thankful my daughter and I will be getting our...
Terri G.
1638197306
Dr Tay and his staff run a clean, modern, an welcoming practice. The hygienist was friendly and efficient, genuinely concerned about my comfort and careful...
Ben H.
1637337834
Super nice people! Very friendly and accommodating. A big step up from that last place I was at!
Mark W.
1632813147
Excellent dentist and great customer service! My mother appreciated the gentle care from the dentist and the wonderful staff throughout the office.
Beth C.
1632179649
Dr. Tay and his entire staff are amazing! I always feel welcomed and everyone is so friendly and professional. I recently moved to the area and had a bad...
Karen T.
1631718390
We were at our last dental practice for over 10 years - a family of 6, so when we moved to the area, I was *concerned* about finding a practice we loved as...
Jeny M.
1630475017
Great dentist office..Desi was my hygienist and was so sweet and very informative..Dr. Tay was very nice ..It was a great experience!!
Patti M.
1629787839
I have always been afraid to go to any dental office but apple springs family dentistry exceeded all my expectations. Great customer service and its...
stephanie N.
1629730871
Great experience at Apple Springs! Needed to find a new dentist and am glad that I stopped by. The girls in the front were very personable and welcoming!...
Mike B.
1625817246
Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. They greet us with big smile and white teeth! Treat us with care, especially my youngest son who doesn't like going to...
Johnny M.
1625285437
I am in Texas visiting family and working for the next few weeks and one morning while flossing noticed something in my gums. As my dentist is in...
Wayne B.
1624660991
I love this place!!! The Dr. Tay is amazing, good listener, patience, honest and very professional. The staff is incredible and very friendly. My Daughter...
Susana G.
1622718654
Apple Spring is an amazing dentist! It's clean, modern, and the people are great! Everything was quick and convenient from portable X-rays to a TV mounted...
Lyudmila L.
1621580574
I confess. I am a complete coward when it comes to dentistry. Some bad experiences in my youth fostered a fear of the chair that led me to procrastination...
Stacy W.
1619508810
Incredible staff! Everyone is super polite and friendly. I love how they do X-rays too. It is already uncomfortable having a wedge in your teeth and for the...
Krystal S.
1617871980
I can not say enough about Dr.Tay and his staff. They are truly amazing! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist even at 30! Apple Springs made me...
Amber H.
1616530757
Dr Tay and all the staff at Apple Springs are amazing. When we moved to Leander I worried that we wouldn't find the same quality care with the cozy,...
Carly C.
1615924884
I'm a new patient here and I love this place. The office is very tidy and I've never had a wait at my appointments. The staff is so amazing and they...
Crystal H.
1614141837
Dr. Tay is great! I visited his office for the first time for a cleaning and orthodontic care evaluation. He is super friendly and very smart in his field...
Soni K.
1605887355
Awesome experience as always! I have had bad in the past (other clinics). They do a great job explaining what they are doing and do everything possible to...
Edie O.
1605792192
A comfortable and relaxing place (even though it is a dental office). Everyone was kind and interested in how I was doing. I usually have quite a bit of...
Lauren C.
1604390474
Everything was great from the start. I was referred to go see Dr. Tay from a friend who worked for him previously and she recommended him very highly....
Meagan H.
1603810850
Dr Tay and staff are amazing, we relocated to Leander and needed to find a new family dentist, we are so thankful we found Apple Springs. The staff are...
Carly C.
1603192791
Great experience and top notch dentistry. Just moved down from the NorthEast and by far the best dental experience in a long time.
Donald K.
1602058925
Dr. Tay and his team are excellent. They go above and beyond. We've had nothing but great experiences with them.
Sarah A.
1600247756
Very friendly people here, nice office (they even have tv's on the ceiling!), very conscious of safety during covid. I will definitely be back!
Mark D.
1599250944
I can't believe I'm actually going to say this but I'll definitely be going back to Dr. Tay. He's awesome!!! As most people do, I have a phobia of going to...
Sheryl A.
1599217690
My cleaning was gentle yet thorough. I'm happy I changed to this office. Overall the service was great including the front desk person.
Deneke O.
1599074402
I always have a great experience at Apple Springs Dentistry. I get appointment reminders, a quality cleaning, and friendly staff. Dr. Tay is friendly,...
Yasmeen A.
1597322709
I just moved from Austin to the Leander area and did not feel like driving into Austin just to have my teeth cleaned. I did my due diligence and checked out...
Laura J.
1597260183
I love our dentist and his staff! They are always happy and inviting. It is never asked, "did you/do you floss?" There is no blame or shame, only happy...
Kathi L.
1595323769
This was my first appt with this dental practice. From the office personnel to the dental hygienist to the Dr. was a really good experience!! Everyone was...
Yvette D.
1593696302
Everyone was super nice & made sure I was totally comfortable. Price was what I was expecting. Went in for a cracked tooth & was in and out in 2 hours.
Donna A.
1592816184
Look, I love this place, and I am saying that about a dentist. Everyone is great and personable. They maintain the highest standard of care and I wouldn't...
Dustin N.
1592377534
My husband & I both had our first exams & cleanings here this week. We are more than impressed - very clean facility, professional & caring staff &...
Ry M.
1591176823
Great people here! They got me in and out for a procedure in no time. They were very caring and attentive the entire time I was there. My wife and mother in...
Chad H.
1591100808
I had an abscessed tooth and needed it removed quickly. I received an appointment within a day or two. I received excellent care but was unable to be numbed...
Joe P.
1588017026
Everyone in this office is so friendly. They seem to all get along so well. It has a very positive and energetic vibe! Jennifer at the front desk was so...
Julie B.
1573801060
Absolutely love Dr. Tay and his entire staff. I have high anxiety when it comes to dental work and his entire staff were very understanding and made me...
Shannon S.
1571995497
Really nice people, easy scheduling and convenient location for me. I recently relocated from Georgetown and needed a new dentist. I found the staff at...
Tom M.
1552895630
My teeth are sensitive and I often do not feel comfortable seeing any dentist. Though, this time the cleaning went quite pleasant within my comfort...
John N.
1547149088
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