7 Seemingly Harmless Habits Dentists Wish Parents Caught Sooner... and More!

This article is the part of IBU's Ask-The-Expert series. It features expert insights from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur's resident dentists Dr Priyanka Mahendru and Dr Reshnu Suri, on some of the top concerns and worries parents have about their children's dental health.

If you've ever stood outside the bathroom door negotiating with a four-year-old over toothbrushing, you're not alone. Somewhere between "just two minutes" and full-blown meltdown, most of us have wondered: am I doing this right?

We put your most common questions - from sneaky habits to brushing battles to dentist-visit dread - to Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur's resident dentists, Dr Priyanka Mahendru and Dr Reshnu Suri. Here's what they had to say.

Habits to look out for that are secret red flags

Dr Priyanka says there are quite a few habits that fly under the radar simply because they seem harmless at first. Left unnoticed, though, they can affect everything from cavity risk to how a child's jaw develops:

• Frequent sugary snacks or drinks: Constant sugar exposure is one of the biggest causes of cavities

• Rushed brushing and flossing: Kids often need supervision far longer than parents expect, especially for back teeth

• Mouth breathing: Can contribute to dry mouth, gum issues, and even changes in facial or jaw development

• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use: If it continues past the preschool years, it can affect how teeth and jaws develop

• Nail biting, chewing pencils, or biting hard objects: These can chip or wear down teeth over time

• Teeth grinding, especially at night: Some grinding is common, but if it's persistent or severe, it's worth mentioning to your dentist

• Skipping a mouthguard during sports: A simple habit that meaningfully lowers injury risk

• Skipping regular dental visits: Early check-ups let dentists catch developing issues before they become bigger and more costly.

Brushing Doesn't Need to Be Perfect - Just Consistent

A lot of parents worry that their child's brushing isn't "good enough," especially on days when it's rushed or half-hearted.

Dr Priyanka's take is reassuring: consistency wins, every time. A quick, slightly messy brush twice a day beats a perfect brush once a week.

"Even if brushing is quick or not flawless, brushing twice a day every day for 2 minutes, helps prevent plaque from building up and reduces the risk of cavities. Skipping brushing regularly allows bacteria to stay on the teeth, increasing the chance of decay," she says.

It's also worth remembering, especially for younger kids, that most children simply don't have the hand coordination to brush effectively on their own yet - so sticking around to help or take over isn't overprotective, it's necessary.

When Can Kids Understand Why Brushing Matters?

Somewhere around 3 to 4 years old, according to Dr Reshnu, children can start grasping simple explanations rather than just being told what to do.

There's no need for a biology lesson - something as simple as "brushing washes away the germs that make holes in your teeth" is enough.

Keeping it concrete and age-appropriate is what helps it actually stick.

Do They Really Need to Brush for a Full Two Minutes?

Yes, says Dr Priyanka, because two minutes gives enough time to properly clean every surface, and most kids naturally brush for less than a minute, which means plaque gets left behind.

That said, if your child is still building the habit, there's no need to stress over the clock. Brushing consistently every day matters more than hitting two minutes on day one, so it's better to build up to it gradually than to skip brushing altogether because they're fighting you on timing.

A few tricks that help kids get there:

• A two-minute sand timer

• A favourite two-minute song

• An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer (great for slightly older kids)

  
  

Should You Ever Pull Out a Loose Baby Tooth?

It can be both worrying and exciting when the first loose tooth finally happens!

Some parents might wonder if the tooth needs some "help" coming out.

But Dr Reshnu says it's best to let nature take its course, noting that a baby tooth should only ever be gently removed if it's extremely loose and not causing any pain.

My Child Won't Cooperate at the Dentist - Is That Normal?

Dr Priyanka assures parents that this is completely normal.

Nerves, shyness, or outright resistance are common, especially during first visits or after a previous appointment that felt unpleasant.

The good news? "Most children settle in and become more comfortable over time with regular, positive visits," she says.

A few things help ease the process:

• Booking appointments when your child is well-rested and not hungry (mid-morning tends to work well)

• Talking about the dentist calmly, and skipping words like "pain", "hurt", or "needle"

• Reading a book or watching a friendly video about dental visits beforehand (yes, Peppa Goes to the Dentist counts)

• Avoiding promises like "it won't hurt" - if there's any discomfort at all, this can actually make anxiety worse

• Praising cooperation generously, even if it's just sitting in the chair or opening their mouth for a few seconds

It also helps to think of check-ups as routine rather than an emergency response. Regular visits, rather than only going when something hurts, let kids get familiar with the dental environment before it's ever associated with a problem.

Mixed Baby and Adult Teeth: Does Care Change?

Surprisingly, it does! Dr Reshnu shares that it's important to take good care of those brand new permanent teeth that's now a part of your child's smile.

"Newly erupted permanent teeth are more susceptible to decay while they mature. Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss where teeth touch, and attend regular dental check-ups," she advises.

What Do Dentists Actually Check During a Routine Visit?

There's a lot going on behind the dental chair. Besides checking for cavities, Dr Priyanka explains that a routine exam covers your child's whole picture of oral health, including:

• Gum health

• How teeth are erupting and developing

• Bite alignment and jaw development

• Early signs that orthodontic treatment might be needed later

• Wear from grinding or clenching

• Signs of thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or other habits affecting development

• Plaque and tartar buildup

• The health of the tongue, cheeks, lips, and other soft tissue

• Fluoride needs and cavity risk based on diet and habits

When Can Kids Start Brushing on Their Own?

Kids can start brushing independently around 6 to 7 years old, says Dr Reshnu.

However, she notes that it's worth staying involved by supervising or helping until at least age 8.

"This is because effective brushing requires good manual dexterity," she explains.

The One Habit That Matters Most

If there's a single habit to hold onto, Dr Reshnu says it's this:

The takeaway? You don't need a perfect routine - just a consistent one. Two brushes a day, regular check-ups, and a little patience during the toddler resistance years go a long way. And on the days it feels like a losing battle over a toothbrush, know that you're not alone - there are many parents who have been through it too!

Looking for a hands-on way to help kids learn good dental habits? Join our upcoming event: Little Dentist for a Day - happening Jul 25, 2026 - it's a day made for kids to role play as a junior dentist, complete fun missions & learn through play!

This article was created in collaboration with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur as part of IBU Family's educational content series supporting parents through different stages of the parenting journey.