7 Bad Dental Habits in Kids and How to Break Them for Good
Good oral hygiene starts long before your child’s first cavity. Most of the habits that damage young teeth are ones parents can catch early, once they know what to watch for. Below are seven of the most common bad dental habits we see in our practice, along with practical, parent-tested ways to correct them before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.
1. Reaching for Sugary and Energy Drinks
Not all sugary drinks do the same amount of damage. Energy drinks are especially hard on young enamel; children can lose more than twice as much enamel from energy drinks as from sports drinks. Energy drinks are formulated for adult consumers and have no place in a child’s daily diet. A recent CDC analysis of national survey data found that toddlers and preschoolers who frequently drink sugar-sweetened beverages have significantly higher odds of developing cavities. Water and milk are the safest everyday choices, and juice or sports drinks are best kept to special occasions and served with meals rather than sipped throughout the day. If enamel is already showing signs of wear, ask us about fluoride treatments at your child’s next visit.
2. Brushing Too Hard (or Not Hard Enough)
Good brushing habits can be hard to master, and an often overlooked factor is intensity. Brushing too gently leaves plaque behind, while brushing too hard can wear down gums and enamel over time. A soft-bristled, child-sized brush and a light, circular motion is all that’s needed. If you’re not sure your child has the technique down, our team can walk you through proper brushing vigor at their next dental exam and cleaning.
3. Chewing Hard Foods, Ice, and Candy
Jawbreakers, hard peppermint candy, lollipops, ice cubes, and similar hard foods can chip a tooth outright or weaken it gradually over time. Cracked or chipped teeth in kids often need prompt attention, so if it happens, treat it as a dental emergency and call our office right away rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
4. Not Brushing Enough
This one is straightforward: kids should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and should be supervised until they’re around seven or eight years old and can manage the whole routine on their own. For extra protection on the back teeth where cavities most often start, ask about dental sealants.
5. Skipping Flossing
Flossing can be a harder habit to enforce, especially if it isn’t already part of your own routine. Children tend to follow the example their parents set, so flossing alongside your child gets the best results. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day, starting as soon as two teeth touch.
6. Grinding Their Teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common in kids and is often related to stress, growth, or an uneven bite, and it’s a hard habit to stop on your own. Most children outgrow it, but persistent grinding can wear down enamel or signal an alignment issue worth checking. Mention it at your child’s next visit so we can take a look and talk through options if treatment is needed.
7. Prolonged Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a normal, self-soothing reflex in infants and toddlers. Sucking on a thumb forces the front teeth forward over time, and the American Dental Association notes that most children stop on their own between ages 2 and 4. If the habit continues after permanent front teeth start coming in, it can lead to a noticeable overbite or a narrow upper jaw, and it’s worth a conversation with your pediatric dentist about gentle ways to help your child stop.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If any of these habits sound familiar, you don’t have to wait for your child’s next scheduled cleaning. A quick check-in can catch problems early and give you a concrete plan for breaking the habit at home. Browse our Pediatric Dental FAQs for more parent questions, or request an appointment with our Loudoun County team.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child stop sucking their thumb?
Most children stop thumb sucking on their own between ages 2 and 4. If the habit continues after permanent front teeth begin to erupt, it’s worth discussing with a pediatric dentist.
How often should kids brush and floss?
Children should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and floss once a day, starting as soon as two teeth touch.
Are sports drinks safer than energy drinks for my child’s teeth?
Sports drinks are somewhat gentler on enamel than energy drinks, but both contain sugar and acid that can wear down teeth over time. Water is always the safest everyday choice.
What should I do if I notice my child grinding their teeth at night?
Mention it at their next checkup. Many children outgrow nighttime grinding, but a pediatric dentist can check for enamel wear and rule out a bite issue.