Six Everyday Habits That Can Scare Up Trouble for Children’s Teeth: A Q&A With Dr. Mira Albert
As a mom, I know how quickly everyday routines can get away from us. Between school, work, activities, meals, and everything else a family has going on, it isn’t always easy to make sure every little thing gets done exactly the way it should. When Halloween rolls around, we also have candy, parties, trick-or-treating, and all those special treats that make the season fun.
But what if some of the things that affect our children’s teeth the most aren’t the Halloween candy we worry about every October? What if some of the biggest concerns are everyday habits that can quietly become part of our normal routines?
That is what caught my attention when Cher Murphy shared information with Greatful Moments on behalf of Dr. Mira Albert. The news release, titled “Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be Scarier for Your Smile Than Halloween Candy,” discusses six habits that can affect children’s dental health: grazing throughout the day, brushing too soon after acidic foods or drinks, using teeth as tools, chewing ice, skipping brushing before bed, and brushing too hard.
As a parent, I think these are important conversations because we want our children to develop healthy habits that last long after the Halloween decorations come down. We can remind children not to eat too much candy, but we also need to look at the little things we do every day.
I asked Dr. Albert five questions about these habits, how parents can help their children care for their teeth, and what families should keep in mind as we head into Halloween and the holiday season. Source: Information provided by Cher Murphy on behalf of Dr. Mira Albert and Brush Pediatric Dentistry. You can read more about the practice at Brush Pediatric Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Mira Albert– Dr. Mira Albert, DDS, MBA, MS, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Brush Pediatric Dentistry, which has locations in Hinsdale and Downers Grove, Illinois. She is also a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, an examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a trustee of the AAPD Foundation, and a member of the medical staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Dr. Albert focuses on prevention and helping children feel comfortable receiving dental care. Her practice provides preventive and restorative dentistry, emergency services, sedation options, and other pediatric dental treatments. For this Greatful Moments Q&A, Dr. Albert shared practical suggestions for helping parents understand everyday dental habits and make small changes at home.
Our Q&A With Dr. Mira Albert
1. Which of these everyday habits do you see most often in children, and which one tends to surprise parents the most?
Dr. Mira Albert: Grazing is the one I see most, by a mile. Kids snack in the car, at practice, in front of a show, and between activities. It’s a normal part of busy family life, and I get it; I’m a mom too.
The one that surprises parents most is brushing too soon after something acidic. Parents think they’re doing the right thing by brushing right after orange juice or a sports drink. But acid softens enamel for a little while, and brushing right away can wear it down. A quick rinse with water and waiting about 30 minutes is the better move.
2. What should parents know about grazing and frequent snacking compared with having sweets as part of a meal?
Dr. Mira Albert: Teeth care more about how often kids eat than how much. Every time a child eats or sips something other than water, the bacteria in their mouth make acid, and that acid hangs around for a while. When a child picks at snacks all afternoon, sugar sits on their teeth for hours and they never get a break.
When sweets come with a meal, it’s one acid hit instead of five. There’s also more saliva flowing at mealtime, and saliva is your child’s built-in defense. So if your kids are going to have a cookie, have it with lunch instead of as a slow nibble at 3:00, 3:30, and 4:15.
A simple rule that works in a lot of homes: set snack times, and water in between. Also, try to get lots of protein in at meal time, so children feel less hungry for snacks between meals.
3. How can parents teach children to brush effectively without brushing too hard?
Dr. Mira Albert: Start with a soft-bristled brush. That alone solves a lot. Then teach kids to hold the brush like a pencil instead of gripping it like a hammer; it naturally lightens their pressure.
I tell kids to give their teeth little tickle circles and pretend they’re polishing them, not scrubbing a dirty pan. Two minutes, twice a day. A song or a timer makes it feel less like a chore.
Parents should still help until kids are around 7 or 8. A good test: if your child can tie their own shoes well, they’re getting close to brushing well on their own. Until then, you take a turn after they do.
4. What are some simple dental habits parents can establish at home that make the biggest difference throughout the year?
Dr. Mira Albert: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and never skip the bedtime brush. Fluoride helps teeth fight back against the acid that sugary foods create in the mouth. Saliva slows down while we sleep, so whatever is left on the teeth at bedtime sits there all night.
Floss once a day once teeth start touching. Make water the default drink, especially between meals. And remind kids that teeth are for eating, not for opening packages, ripping off tags, or crunching ice. That’s how we see a lot of chipped and cracked teeth. Finally, keep up with regular checkups, starting with a first visit by the first birthday. None of this has to be perfect every day. Consistency over the year matters far more than one rough week.
5. What is your best advice for parents heading into Halloween and the weeks of holiday treats that follow?
Dr. Mira Albert: First, let your kids have fun! You don’t need to do away with Halloween or all the candy. Just be smart about it.
It does help to know what you’re up against. As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, I spend a lot of October reminding families that kids eat, on average, more than 16 times the daily recommended amount of sugar on Halloween.
Not all candy is created equal. Last year here in Illinois, the top Halloween candies are Hershey’s chocolate bars and Sour Patch Kids, and those two are a pretty good picture of the better and worse ends of the bucket. Sticky, gummy, and sour candies are the ones that really fuel cavities, because they cling to teeth and add acid on top of sugar. Dark chocolate and sugar-free gum are much better choices.
I also get a lot of questions about “healthier” options like natural fruit chews and granola bars. These aren’t necessarily better. They can stick to teeth just as much, and some are more acidic.
My general rule is simple: enjoy it the day of, and maybe the day after, and then get rid of it. Before the big night, decide how many treats your child gets to keep. Then sort the haul together and let them pick their favorites. For the rest, check whether your pediatric dentist or a local group has a candy buy-back program, or donate it to an organization like Treats for Troops. Some families love starting a Switch Witch tradition, where kids leave their extra candy out for a friendly witch who swaps it for a small toy or book.
While the candy is around, keep portions small, stick to a set treat time instead of all-day grazing, and have kids drink plenty of water afterward to rinse away the bits that get stuck. And no matter how the day went, brush before bed. If a sugar bug does show up later, it’s not a failure. Cavities happen, and we’re here to help, not judge.
What I appreciate about Dr. Albert’s answers is that she reminds parents we don’t have to take the fun out of childhood to help our children develop healthier habits. Halloween can still include costumes, trick-or-treating, parties, and a little candy. We just need to think about how those treats fit into our routines.
The point about grazing stood out to me because busy families can find themselves handing children a snack here and another snack there without giving it much thought. Sometimes it helps to step back and look at the routine rather than focusing on one particular treat.
I also like the reminder that children are learning as they grow. Teaching them how to brush gently, helping them establish a bedtime routine, and making regular dental visits part of family life are small steps that can make a difference over time. Of course, every child’s needs are different, and parents should talk with their child’s dentist about questions or concerns specific to their child. This article shares Dr. Albert’s guidance, not a substitute for individual dental care.
As we head into Halloween, I hope families can enjoy the season without feeling that every piece of candy has to become a battle. We can make memories, enjoy a few treats, and still work on habits that help protect those little smiles throughout the year.
What everyday dental habit has been the hardest to establish in your home? Do you have a trick that helps your children remember to brush before bed?
Thank you to Cher Murphy for sharing Dr. Mira Albert’s information with Greatful Moments and to Dr. Albert for answering our questions. To learn more about Dr. Albert and her practice, visit Brush Pediatric Dentistry.
This Q&A is based on written responses provided by Dr. Mira Albert through Cher Murphy. Dental recommendations may vary based on a child’s individual needs; consult your child’s dental professional for personalized guidance.
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