Delivery within 3-5 business days – Free for orders of R500 or more
Delivery within 3-5 business days – Free for orders of R500 or more
By Dr Raveena Manga (Paediatric & Integrative Dentist)
They say “the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body”, and I wholeheartedly agree. The mouth:
I am passionate about educating parents about how to optimise their children’s oral health from birth – it’s far more about just preventing cavities – we want to help your child fulfil their maximum growth potential, while helping them thrive in our rapidly evolving world.
The good news is, with basic understanding of foundational concepts, a few small daily habits can make a very big difference over time.
Here are my top tips for caring for your child’s mouth and airway:
Breastfeeding plays an important role in healthy oral and facial development, particularly during the first year of life and beyond. The natural sucking action involved in breastfeeding helps promote proper jaw growth, muscle development, tongue function, and palate formation. It also encourages nasal breathing and supports healthy swallowing patterns.
Breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of certain occlusal problems and can contribute to better alignment of the jaws as children grow. In addition to its developmental benefits, breastmilk also contains antibodies and protective factors that support a child’s immune system and overall health.
Beyond nutrition alone, breastfeeding supports many of the foundational functions that influence oral health, breathing, sleep, and facial growth later in life.
As a mom myself, and working with new parents on a daily basis, I’m well aware that exclusive breastfeeding isn’t always possible for an array of reasons. Please know that if you cannot or choose not to breastfeed your child, it is okay, and your child will be okay. If you are concerned about any developmental or airway issues, please reach out to your provider.
Mindful pacifier use means using a dummy in a way that supports your child’s comfort while also considering their oral and facial development. If a pacifier is used, choosing an orthodontic-shaped teat and the correct size for your child’s age may help reduce pressure on the developing jaws and palate.
It is generally recommended to introduce a dummy only once feeding is well established, particularly in breastfed babies. As children grow, pacifier use should gradually be reduced, ideally completely weaning by around 2–3 years of age to minimise the risk of anatomical and developmental changes.
Prolonged or frequent dummy use may contribute to issues such as altered jaw growth, narrow palate development, bite problems (such as open bites or crossbites), mouth breathing habits, and changes in tongue posture. However, like many things in paediatric healthcare, we have to consider the whole child and the family system, and balance and moderation are key.
Introducing oral hygiene from birth can help babies become comfortable with having their mouths touched and cared for from an early age. Before teeth erupt, parents can gently wipe the gums with a clean, damp cloth or piece of gauze to help desensitise the mouth and establish a positive routine.
Once the first teeth appear, an age-appropriate soft toothbrush can gradually be introduced. Consistent, gentle oral care helps children become familiar with brushing as a normal part of daily life.
This early exposure can make a significant difference later on, as toddlers who are accustomed to oral care routines are often more cooperative and accepting of toothbrushing during stages where they begin developing more independence and autonomy.
Oral hygiene at home is a non-negotiable in life. It sets your child up to become empowered to look after their own mouths, and to understand that oral care is an integral part of whole-body wellness.
This is an ideal oral hygiene routine for children:
Dental check-ups are not only about looking for cavities. They also help monitor how your child’s teeth, jaws, bite, and airway are developing as they grow. Biannual or annual visits help children become comfortable in the dental environment and allow problems to be picked up before they become bigger concerns. Prevention is always easier – and kinder – than treatment later on.
Nutrient-dense foods play an important role in supporting strong teeth, healthy gums, and overall oral development. Foods rich in healthy fats and high-quality proteins provide essential vitamins and minerals that help build and maintain teeth from the inside out.
Nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, and fat-soluble vitamins – especially vitamins A, D, E, and K2 – help support enamel strength, jaw development, saliva production, and the body’s natural ability to protect and repair teeth. A well-nourished body is also better equipped to regulate inflammation and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
In many ways, strong teeth begin long before brushing – they are built through nutrition, growth, and overall health.
Of course, preparing and offering nutrient-dense foods consistently is not always easy in the midst of busy family life. The reality is that children will inevitably be exposed to processed and sugary foods. However, small “healthier snack swaps” can make a meaningful difference by satisfying cravings while still supporting oral health and overall wellbeing.
Some tooth-friendly snack ideas include:
Including a variety of colourful foods in your child’s diet helps provide a broad range of nutrients, while crunchy foods can help support jaw development and oral muscle function.
Most importantly, the goal is not perfection. A balanced, realistic approach – with moderation, consistency, and variety – is often the most sustainable and beneficial for both children and parents.
Nasal breathing plays a vital role in healthy oral and facial development. When children breathe through their noses, the tongue is more likely to rest naturally against the palate, which helps guide proper jaw growth and supports healthy development of the airway and facial structures.
The nose also helps filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe, while mouth breathing can dry out the oral tissues and reduce the protective effects of saliva. This may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, bad breath, and disrupted oral balance.
Chronic mouth breathing in children has also been associated with narrow jaw development, crowded teeth, altered facial growth patterns, poor sleep quality, and behavioural or concentration difficulties linked to disturbed sleep.
Healthy breathing habits are therefore an important part of not only oral health, but a child’s overall growth, nervous system regulation, sleep, and wellbeing.
Healthy oral habits developed early in life can benefit children for years to come. By focusing on prevention, balanced nutrition, healthy routines, and regular dental visits, parents can help support not only healthy teeth, but healthy overall development too.
A positive approach, consistency, and early guidance can go a long way in helping children grow up with healthy, confident smiles.
