The Top Five Threats to Your Child’s Smile and How Marietta Parents Can Fight Back

As a parent, you work hard to keep your children healthy. You schedule their annual physicals, make sure they eat their vegetables, and encourage plenty of outdoor play. But when it comes to oral health, many families unknowingly let common threats slip through the cracks.

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States, affecting more children than asthma, hay fever, or obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. The good news? Most childhood dental problems are entirely preventable.

At Dental Care Center at Kennestone, Dr. Angela Ojibway and Dr. Sarah Buffington—who holds specialized training in pediatric dentistry—help Marietta families protect their children’s smiles every day. Here are the five biggest threats to your child’s oral health and what you can do about them.

Threat #1: Sugar Hiding in Everyday Foods and Drinks

Sugar is the primary fuel for the bacteria that cause cavities. When kids consume sugary foods and beverages, bacteria in their mouths feed on those sugars and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The more frequently children are exposed to sugar, the more opportunities bacteria have to cause damage.

The obvious culprits—candy, cookies, and soda—are only part of the problem. Many foods marketed as healthy choices contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar. Flavored yogurts, granola bars, fruit snacks, sports drinks, and even some breakfast cereals can pack as much sugar as dessert.

What parents can do:

• Read Labels Carefully: Check for added sugars in packaged foods, even those labeled “natural” or “healthy.”
• Limit Juice and Sugary Drinks: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no juice for children under one year, no more than four ounces daily for ages one to three, and limited amounts for older children. Water and milk are always better choices.
• Time It Right: If your child does have a sweet treat, serve it with a meal rather than as a standalone snack. Saliva production increases during meals, helping neutralize acids and rinse away food particles.

Threat #2: Inconsistent Brushing and Flossing Habits

Children aren’t born knowing how to brush their teeth properly, and developing consistent habits takes years of guidance. Many kids rush through brushing in under a minute, miss hard-to-reach back teeth, and skip flossing altogether. Without proper technique, plaque builds up and cavities develop.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two full minutes, twice daily, with fluoride toothpaste. For children under three, a smear of toothpaste the size of a rice grain is appropriate. Children ages three to six should use a pea-sized amount. Most children lack the manual dexterity to brush effectively on their own until around age six or seven.

What parents can do:

• Supervise Until They’re Ready: Brush your child’s teeth yourself until they can tie their shoes independently—a good indicator of fine motor skill development.
• Make It Fun: Use a two-minute timer, play a favorite song, or try electric toothbrushes with built-in timers.
• Don’t Skip Flossing: As soon as two teeth touch, flossing should begin. Floss picks designed for children make the process easier.

Threat #3: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Putting a baby or toddler to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice is a common practice—and one that can cause severe damage to developing teeth. When children fall asleep with liquid pooling in their mouths, sugars sit on tooth surfaces for hours, creating an ideal environment for decay. The result is often widespread cavities affecting multiple front teeth, a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries.

This type of decay can develop rapidly in young children and may require extensive treatment, including sedation dentistry for very young patients. In severe cases, baby teeth may need extraction, which can affect speech development and the alignment of permanent teeth.

What parents can do:

• Never Put Baby to Bed With a Bottle: If your child needs comfort to fall asleep, offer a pacifier or a bottle filled only with water.
• Wipe Gums After Feeding: Even before teeth emerge, use a soft, damp cloth to clean your baby’s gums after feedings.
• Transition From Bottles Early: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning children from bottles by 12 to 18 months.

Threat #4: Skipping Regular Dental Checkups

Many parents assume that because baby teeth eventually fall out, they don’t require the same attention as permanent teeth. This misconception leads families to delay dental visits until problems become visible—or painful. By then, decay may have progressed significantly.

Baby teeth serve critical functions beyond chewing. They hold space for permanent teeth, guide jaw development, and support clear speech. Decay in baby teeth can spread to neighboring teeth and even affect developing permanent teeth beneath the gums.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch problems early, apply preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants, and help your child build positive associations with dental care.

What parents can do:

• Start Early: Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age one, even if they only have a few teeth.
• Stay Consistent: Keep up with six-month checkups, even when everything seems fine. Prevention is always easier than treatment.
• Choose a Family-Friendly Practice: Look for a dental office experienced in treating children, where the team understands how to make young patients feel comfortable.

Threat #5: Sports Injuries and Dental Trauma

Active kids are at risk for dental injuries, and spring sports season brings increased opportunities for accidents. A ball to the face during soccer practice, a collision on the basketball court, or a fall from a bicycle can chip, crack, or knock out a tooth in an instant.

According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to experience dental injuries. Yet many young athletes skip this simple protective measure.

What parents can do:

• Invest in a Custom Mouthguard: Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer superior comfort and coverage compared to store-bought options.
• Require Mouthguards for All Contact Sports: Don’t limit protection to football and hockey. Basketball, soccer, baseball, and skateboarding carry significant risk.
• Know What to Do in an Emergency: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown only, rinse gently, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk while heading to the dentist immediately.

Building a Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health

The habits children develop early set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By addressing these five common threats, Marietta parents can dramatically reduce their children’s risk of cavities and dental problems.

At Dental Care Center at Kennestone, we love helping kids build positive relationships with dental care. Dr. Ojibway and Dr. Buffington create a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable, and our team educates both kids and parents on proper oral hygiene techniques.

Schedule Your Child’s Checkup at Dental Care Center at Kennestone

Is your child due for a dental visit? The team at Dental Care Center at Kennestone provides gentle, comprehensive care for patients of all ages. From first visits for toddlers to preventive care for teens, we’re here to help every member of your family achieve their healthiest smile.

Call our Marietta office today at (770) 424-4565 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve families throughout Marietta, Kennesaw, and the surrounding Cobb County communities. Your child’s smile is worth protecting—let us help you keep it healthy for years to come.

Posted on behalf of Dental Care Center at Kennestone