As a parent, you already know that building healthy habits early sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. But one area that’s often overlooked—until there’s pain or a cavity—is oral health.
As experienced dentists in Curacao, we can’t stress this enough: good dental habits in childhood are the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
In this blog post, we’ll share expert-backed tips on how to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy, explain why pediatric dental care is essential, and guide you through when to schedule important milestones—like an orthodontic evaluation for children.
Why Early Dental Care Matters
Children’s mouths are constantly growing and changing.
Baby teeth (primary teeth) may not be permanent, but they play a critical role in speech development, nutrition, self-esteem, and guiding adult teeth into proper position.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD):
“The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children should see a dentist by their first birthday.”
Regular visits with a pediatric dentist ensure that potential problems are caught early and that your child becomes comfortable in a dental setting—reducing dental anxiety in the future.
1. Start Brushing Early and Make It Fun
You can begin brushing your baby’s gums even before the first tooth comes in using a soft, damp cloth. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Make brushing a fun part of their daily routine—use songs, colorful toothbrushes, and reward charts to encourage consistency.
2. Limit Sugar and Snacks Between Meals
One of the biggest culprits behind childhood cavities is frequent snacking—especially on sugary foods and drinks. Sticky candies, juice boxes, and even dried fruit can feed bacteria that produce acids, leading to tooth decay.
Encourage water as the go-to drink, especially between meals, and limit sweets to mealtimes when saliva is more active in neutralizing acid.
According to the World Health Organization:
“Reducing sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake—and ideally below 5%—can dramatically reduce dental caries.”
3. Schedule Regular Dental Visits—Starting Early
The first dental visit should happen by your child’s first birthday—or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. After that, we recommend a dental checkup every six months.
At Klinika Dental Starosa, our experienced pediatric team provides gentle, friendly care that helps children feel comfortable and safe during every visit. We’re proud to be among the most trusted dentists in Curacao for families.
4. Get an Orthodontic Evaluation by Age 7
One of the most overlooked steps in pediatric dental care is early orthodontic assessment. Even if your child still has baby teeth, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation for children by age 7.
At this age, we can identify issues like:
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite or crowding
- Jaw growth concerns
- Early loss of baby teeth
Early intervention doesn’t always mean braces—but it can mean avoiding more serious problems later. At our Curacao clinic, we offer comprehensive orthodontic screenings as part of our pediatric services.
5. Protect Their Teeth with Sealants and Fluoride
Dental sealants are a fast, painless way to protect your child’s molars from cavities. These thin coatings act as a barrier against plaque and food particles that settle in the deep grooves of the teeth.
Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help reverse early signs of decay.
6. Be a Role Model—Your Habits Matter
Children learn by watching. If they see you brushing twice a day, flossing, and going to the dentist without fear, they’re more likely to adopt those habits themselves.
Make dental care a family affair. Brush together in the morning or evening, and celebrate their bravery after each checkup.
Trust Your Local Dentists in Curacao
At Klinika Dental Starosa, we’re more than a dental clinic—we’re partners in your child’s health.
Our pediatric dental team is trained to care for children at every stage of development, from their first tooth to their teenage years.
Whether it’s a routine cleaning or an orthodontic evaluation for children, we make dental care educational, gentle, and even fun.
Book Your Child’s Appointment Today
Healthy smiles start early—and last a lifetime. Give your child the gift of strong, confident teeth by scheduling a visit with our caring team of dentists in Curacao.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with us here.