Dr. Aura Caldera is a board-certified pediatric dentist at Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry who focuses on preventive care, airway health, and early dental development in children.
As parents, we spend the summer getting our children ready for school—buying backpacks, new shoes, and school supplies. But one thing that’s often overlooked is their oral health.
Here’s a surprising fact: about 1 in 5 children between the ages of 2 and 5 has at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even more concerning, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood—more common than asthma.
The good news? Cavities are largely preventable.
Many parents are surprised to learn that cavities don’t happen overnight. They develop over time through a combination of frequent sugar exposure, plaque bacteria, and inadequate brushing. That’s why healthy habits in the preschool years are so important.
As your child heads back to school, here are five simple ways to protect their smile:
- Brush twice a day—and help until they’re ready.
Most children don’t have the hand coordination to brush effectively on their own until they’re around 7 to 9 years old. Even if they’re brushing independently, parents should supervise and help finish the job. - Choose water whenever possible.
Juice, sports drinks, flavored waters, and even many “healthy” beverages can contain surprising amounts of sugar or acid. Water is still the best drink for healthy teeth. - Pack smile-friendly lunches and snacks.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, nuts (if allowed), and whole-grain options are much better choices than sticky fruit snacks, cookies, or sugary drinks. - Limit how often children snack.
It’s not just how much sugar they eat—it’s how often. Frequent snacking gives cavity-causing bacteria a constant food source. Try to keep snacks to scheduled times and avoid sipping sugary drinks throughout the day. - Schedule a dental checkup.
September is a wonderful time to establish healthy routines and make sure your child’s teeth are healthy before the busy holiday season begins.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, one of my favorite things is helping families prevent dental problems before they start. Our goal isn’t just to fix cavities—it’s to keep children from getting them in the first place.
A healthy smile helps children eat comfortably, sleep better, speak clearly, and feel confident in the classroom. Starting the school year with healthy habits is one of the best gifts you can give your child.
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