Top Parenting Hacks to Raising Kids With Good Oral Habits

Whether you just can’t seem to get your children to follow a healthy brushing routine or you’re constantly running out of supplies, raising kids to have good oral habits can feel like an uphill battle. But, you can make life easier by developing and sticking to a dental schedule for your children and learning the most effective ways to teach good dental behavior. Try these parenting hacks to teach your kids how to care for their teeth and why it’s so important.

Create a Dental Schedule for Your Children

The key to practicing long-term dental health and minimizing the likelihood of problems developing is to know when you should take your children to appointments and to do your best to stick to this schedule. These are a few of the milestones for your children’s teeth and when they need to see a dentist:

Pre-teeth dental care:

For the first six months of their lives, a child’s teeth are still developing in their gums. The key to dental care at this early stage is to provide your children with a healthy diet.

Their first teeth:

As soon as your children’s teeth come in, visit a pediatric dentist for an initial screening and to develop a schedule to monitor your children’s tooth development. Plan for visits roughly once every six months. Children’s primary teeth start to grow at about six months old, and permanent teeth start coming in at about 6 years old.

Their permanent teeth:

The baby teeth fall out and the permanent teeth replace them when children are 6 to 11 years old. In addition to routine dental exams, your children should be brushing their own teeth at this point.

Keep Extra Supplies Around the House

Whenever you go out to buy floss, toothbrushes, and other supplies, aim to get more than you need. Having extra supplies around the house will ensure you never run out. Plus, if you have several brushes on hand when it’s time to throw out a used one, you can turn picking out a new brush into a fun game. Just have your children go to the supply closet and select whichever brush they want to use next.

Teach Good Dental Habits

As soon as your children can hold a toothbrush, it’s time to start monitoring their independent dental care and to check that they not only know how to properly brush but also understand why it’s so important. Here are a few tips to help educate your child about oral care and make sure that they understand the value of healthy teeth for the rest of their lives.

Get started with educational TV shows and books:

You’ll find plenty of educational content to help your children understand the value of oral health and how to brush properly. Watch TV shows and read books together to help introduce your children at an early age to the value of good oral health.

Create a dental chart:

To help your children learn all the steps involved in caring for their teeth, create a dental chart together. Cut out pictures and instructions from magazines and books, or let your children write the steps down on their own using markers or crayons. Hang this chart up near the sink, and remind them to read and follow it when they go brush their teeth.

Lead by example:

Don’t just tell your children to brush their teeth; brush yours with them so they see that you also take care of your teeth.

Show and tell:

In addition to showing your kids how to brush their teeth, focus on teaching them why it’s so important. Though you may have to wait until they’re old enough to understand, explaining the health risks associated with neglected teeth and gums will motivate them to continue brushing and flossing as they grow older. Note that you should consult with your pediatric dentist to determine when your child should start flossing.

Involve them in the process:

To help your children get more interested in tooth hygiene, take them with you to the store and let them pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Teach about health risks:

Your children need to know how to care for their teeth and why it’s needed. Explain the risk of things such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. If they’re too young to understand these hazards, you can talk about how brushing helps with stinky breath and keeping their mouths healthy.

Teach proper techniques:

It’s vital that your children are learning to brush correctly. Walk them through the proper steps, and teach them about how brushing too vigorously can wear down the enamel and harm their teeth.

Teaching your children good oral health habits is essential to their well-being at this early stage of life, but you’re also setting them up to continue taking care of their teeth as they grow older. Follow the tips above, and remember to teach your children not only how to brush their teeth but also why it’s so important.

Top Parenting Hacks to Raising Kids With Good Oral Habits. 123 Dentist Blog, August 13, 2020.

Don River Dental is a full-service family dental clinic located at 1396 Don Mills Rd (between York Mills and Lawrence, north of Shops at Don Mills). Give us a call today at 416 901 9292 or visit our HOMEPAGE to see how we can help you and your oral health.

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Emergency Dental Symptoms: Top 9 Signs You Need Professional Help

By Elizabet Uzel • May 22, 2025

Persistent Toothache: When Pain Becomes Unbearable Experiencing a persistent toothache can be an alarming sign that requires immediate dental attention. Tooth pain might seem manageable at first, but when it escalates to severe toothache, it becomes unbearable and signals the need for prompt treatment. Warning Signs to Watch: Severe Pain: Pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers. Warm or Cold Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold substances. Bad Taste: A constant bad taste in your mouth may indicate an infection. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it's vital to visit an emergency dentist. Immediate dental care helps maintain oral health and can prevent persistent dental emergencies. Thus, never underestimate the importance of promptly addressing a severe toothache. Extreme Tooth Sensitivity: Sudden or Chronic Extreme tooth sensitivity can be both sudden or chronic, causing discomfort and possibly leading to severe dental issues if not addressed promptly. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for timely treatment. Here are key facts you should know: Common Symptoms: Sharp Tooth Pain: Often triggered by hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods and drinks. Persistent Discomfort: Even when not eating or drinking. When to See a Dentist: Severe Pain: Signaling a possible serious dental issue. Toothache: Especially if it is frequent and intense. Loose or Broken Tooth: Emergency dental care may be necessary. Preventive measures, such as maintaining oral health with proper hygiene and avoiding overly acidic foods, can reduce the risk of sensitivity. If you're experiencing persistent sensitivity or any other dental emergencies, seek professional dental attention promptly to explore treatment options. Swollen or Bleeding Gums: A Sign of Trouble Swollen or bleeding gums can be a significant warning sign of gum disease, an oral health issue that requires prompt dental attention. Many might overlook minor bleeding during brushing, but if this symptom persists, it is essential to consult a dentist immediately. Gum disease, in its early stages, is known as gingivitis and can progress to more severe dental issues if left untreated. Here are some alarming symptoms to watch for regarding your gums: Persistent Swelling : Constant inflammation can be a precursor to severe gum disease. Frequent Bleeding : If your gums bleed regularly, even without brushing aggressively, it indicates an underlying issue. Bad Taste or Bad Breath : Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth signals bacterial accumulation, which may stem from gum disease. Immediate Measures to Take: Practice proper oral hygiene with thorough brushing and flossing. Rinse with warm water to reduce inflammation and bacteria. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it might be time to seek dental care. Early and timely treatment can prevent tooth loss, jaw pain, and more severe dental emergencies. Always prioritize oral health and consult with a dental professional to explore treatment options. Jaw Pain or Clicking: Potential TMJ Concerns Jaw pain or clicking might seem minor, but they can be potential indicators of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) concerns. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for maintaining your oral health. Common TMJ Symptoms: Persistent pain in the jaw area Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth Difficulty or discomfort when chewing A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together These symptoms warrant prompt dental attention to prevent further complications. An emergency dentist can assess the severity of these signs, providing timely treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent tooth root damage or additional dental issues. Potential Causes: Teeth Grinding - Often occurring unconsciously during sleep Arthritis - Affecting the temporomandibular joint Jaw Injury - Resulting from an accident or direct impact Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental care can help prevent TMJ disorders. If any of these symptoms arise, consider warm water rinses and consult a dental professional to explore treatment options. Timely treatment can mitigate severe pain and ensure better oral health. Always prioritize getting dental attention if you experience these warning signs. Loose, Cracked, or Knocked-Out Teeth: Act Quickly Loose, cracked, or knocked-out teeth are dental emergencies that demand immediate attention. Quick action can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Loose Tooth in Adults: If you notice an adult tooth becoming loose, it’s a significant warning sign of potential gum disease or tooth root issues. Visit an emergency dentist without delay for prompt treatment. Cracked Tooth: A cracked or broken tooth exposes the sensitive tooth root and can lead to severe pain or even infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and contact your dentist immediately for dental treatment. Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is critical. If a tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it with warm water, place it back in the socket if possible, or submerge it in milk. Seek emergency dental care within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. Here's a quick checklist for handling these situations: Rinse gently with warm water. Recover the tooth or tooth pieces, if applicable. Seek timely treatment from an emergency dentist. These dental issues require swift action to ensure sustained oral health and effective treatment options. Never ignore the warning signs, as timely intervention is key. Dental Abscesses: The Hidden Infection A dental abscess is a serious oral issue that often lurks unnoticed until it becomes a dental emergency. It's a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, typically forming inside the tooth or gums. If left untreated, it can lead to severe tooth pain and other complications. Warning Signs of a Dental Abscess: Severe Toothache: Persistent, throbbing pain that can radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. Swelling: Noticeable swelling in the gums or face. Bad Taste: A constant foul taste or bad breath due to pus drainage. Fever and Malaise: Feeling generally unwell or feverish. Prompt dental care is crucial. Use warm water to rinse your mouth and reduce discomfort while seeking an emergency dentist for timely treatment. Ignoring warning signs can lead to more severe dental issues and possible tooth loss. Always prioritize oral hygiene to prevent such dental emergencies. Changes in Gum Color, Texture, or Shape: Periodontal Red Flags Changes in gum color, texture, or shape can be significant warning signs of gum disease and require immediate dental attention. Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. Any deviations from this norm could indicate underlying dental issues. Possible Warning Signs: Red or Swollen Gums : Can indicate inflammation or infection. Bleeding Gums : Often a sign of gum disease, especially after brushing or flossing. Receding Gums : This could expose your tooth root and lead to sensitivity or even tooth loss. Soft or Tender Gums : May signal a severe stage of gum disease. Prompt treatment can prevent further complications such as tooth decay or even tooth loss. It's crucial to see an emergency dentist if these changes persist. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental care appointments are key to preventing these periodontal issues.Act quickly if you notice any of these changes to ensure your oral health remains in optimal condition. Persistent Bad Breath or Metallic Taste: Unseen Dental Issues Experiencing persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth can be more than just a social inconvenience; these are often warning signs of underlying dental issues. A metallic taste can indicate issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. When bacteria accumulate due to poor oral hygiene, they can lead to infections, causing a sour or metallic taste. Similarly, chronic bad breath (halitosis) can suggest serious concerns like dental decay, gum disease, or even dry mouth—a condition where insufficient saliva leads to harmful bacteria growth. Check these potential signs: Persistent bad breath: Could be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. Metallic taste: Might indicate oral infections or poor dental hygiene. Signs of dry mouth: Reduced saliva can lead to bacterial growth. In such cases, immediate dental attention is crucial. An emergency dentist can offer prompt treatment options to mitigate further damage, ensuring your oral health is restored with timely treatment. Make sure to ensure regular dental visits to address these concerns proactively and maintain optimal oral hygiene. Dry Mouth: The Silent Cavity Culprit Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a silent trigger for more serious dental issues. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and cleaning food particles. When saliva production decreases, it increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Warning Signs of Dry Mouth: Persistent thirst Trouble swallowing Bad breath Thick or stringy saliva A constant dry feeling in the mouth If you experience severe toothache or other symptoms like jaw pain or a bad taste that accompanies dry mouth, seek timely dental attention. An emergency dentist can provide prompt treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further dental damage. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and staying hydrated are essential steps in combating this silent cavity culprit. Seek dental advice if persistent issues arise, as timely treatment is crucial for minimizing long-term complications. Conclusion: Protecting Your Oral Health Through Awareness It is crucial to stay informed about the warning signs that you need to see a dentist immediately. Recognizing these signs can mean the difference between quick recovery and complicated dental issues requiring extensive treatment. Common Warning Signs: Severe Toothache Persistent Jaw Pain Bad Breath or Bad Taste Loose or Knocked-Out Tooth Severe pain from a Broken Tooth Dry Mouth Ignoring these symptoms can escalate into serious problems like tooth decay or gum disease, which might eventually lead to tooth loss or require emergency dental care. Ensuring prompt treatment for these symptoms can prevent long-term damage and more invasive dental procedures. Simple Tips for Oral Health: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Rinse with warm water to alleviate discomfort. Schedule regular dental check-ups. Awareness is your first line of defense in protecting your oral health. By staying vigilant and seeking timely treatment, you safeguard not only your teeth but also your overall well-being. Prioritize dental care to ensure a healthy, confident smile. At Don River Dental we give you the best tips . If you are experiencing any symptoms or pain please feel free to call us at (416) 901 - 9292 and someone from our team will be happy to answer any questions and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We offer safe soothing dentistry in North York.