Tips for New York families to support children’s dental health and overall well-being
By Dr. Paul McConnell, National Dental Director, UnitedHealthcare Dental
Manhattan Voice
February 5, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - Oral health is more than just a bright smile, it’s an important part of a child’s growth, development and overall well-being.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among kids in the U.S., affecting nearly half of children ages 2 to 19. About 1 in 10 children ages 2 to 5 experience untreated tooth decay, a number that climbs to nearly 1 in 5 children ages 6 to 8.
Baby teeth play an important role in children’s dental health and development, serving as the foundation for healthy permanent teeth and supporting speech and overall well-being. Moreover, emergency dental care for childrencauses kids in the U.S. to miss approximately 34 million school hours annually. Good oral health habits for kids and staying on top of regular dental checkups from an early age can help reduce the risk of developing cavities and other conditions that affect overall health.
Here are some tips for parents to help promote good childhood dental health:
Encourage healthy snacking and hydration. What children eat and drink plays a big role in children’s oral health. Sugary snacks and drinks and kids’ cavities are closely linked, as sugar feeds bacteria that can erode enamel. Limiting sugar and encouraging water for kids’ dental health helps rinse away food particles, dilute acids, and support healthy saliva flow. Adding nutrient-rich foods for strong teeth, like fruits, vegetables, cheese and yogurt, provides calcium and vitamin D for children’s teeth and bones.
Make preventive dental care part of your routine. Regular preventive dental care for children may help catch issues early, reducing the risk of more serious — and costly — problems down the road. For kids, untreated cavities in children can result in poor nutrition and potentially stunt growth and development. Oral health and overall health in children can also be linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease, making it important to take advantage of preventive dental services from a young age. Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services for kids, such as exams, cleanings, x-rays and sealants.
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled after their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. After that, how often kids should see the dentist is typically every six months.
Promote a positive dental experience. Dental anxiety in children is quite common — one third of young kids around the world experience it. Dental visits may include tools or services that feel unfamiliar. Regular dental visits for children may help kids feel more comfortable and confident. Parents can support reducing dental fear in kids by explaining what to expect, answering questions, or using books or videos to help children feel prepared.
Provide guidance for good dental hygiene. While parents may want to supervise brushing for children under age 8, education around kids’ oral hygiene habits can begin much earlier. Encourage brushing twice daily with ADA-approved toothpaste for kids. Introduce flossing for children when teeth touch to reinforce the importance of cleaning between teeth. Parents can make dental care fun by turning brushing teeth into a family routine or using songs, timers, or colorful toothbrushes.
Replace toothbrushes regularly. How often to replace a child’s toothbrush is every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are frayed. During cold and flu season, replacing toothbrushes after illness helps prevent reintroducing germs.
Encouraging healthy dental habits for children and staying consistent with preventive dental care from a young age may help kids grow up with strong smiles, fewer health complications and the confidence that comes with a lifetime of good oral health.
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