Dr. Michelle Jorgensen
Nov. 17, 2025
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My Top 10 Kid Products
(and What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Teeth)
As a mom of four and grandma to two (with one more on the way!), I’ve seen firsthand just how confusing kids’ dental care can feel. Between all the opinions about fluoride, the endless new products, and trying to get little ones to actually brush — it can feel like too much sometimes.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough for my child’s teeth?” — I see you. Parenting doesn’t come with a dental handbook, but after decades in holistic dentistry and raising my own family, I can tell you this: taking care of your kids’ teeth doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be intentional.
Understanding Kids’ Oral Health from Day One
Your child’s mouth is a window into their overall health and development. The way their teeth grow, how they breathe, even how they chew — all play a role in shaping their airway, jaw structure, and long-term wellness.
Here’s something most parents don’t realize:
How your child’s mouth grows determines how they breathe — and how they breathe affects their brain development, sleep quality, mood, digestion, behavior, and ability to focus.
A few examples of things connected to oral development:
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Snoring or mouth breathing at night
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Dark circles under the eyes
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Bedwetting
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Fatigue
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Crowded teeth
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ADHD-like symptoms
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Grinding teeth
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Poor sleep
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Behavioral challenges
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Frequent illness
These aren't “random kid issues.” Many come from a mouth that isn’t growing wide enough to support proper nose breathing and tongue posture.
And that is why we opened Total Care Kids & Ortho — a health-based pediatric and orthodontic practice completely focused on growth, development, airway, and prevention.
Whether you’re here in Utah or following along online, I want you to have the tools and knowledge to support healthy smiles at home. So let’s get to my favorite kid-approved items.
My Favorite Products for Kids’ Oral Health
These are the exact items I recommend to support oral development, proper jaw growth, and natural cavity prevention:
1
Best for babies without teeth. It promotes a natural latch and supports proper tongue movement — important for airway and palate development.
2
Great for babies with teeth. Designed so the teeth don’t separate or push forward — ideal for older infants.
3
A fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite toothpaste made with prebiotics to balance the oral microbiome and naturally strengthen enamel.
4
A fun, chewable myofunctional device that helps strengthen facial muscles and encourages proper jaw development. Think of it as a “workout for growing smiles.”
5
Fluoride-free without sugar or artificial sweeteners, this tooth powder naturally strengthens enamel better than conventional pastes. Its gentle foaming minerals reach every nook, and the bright citrus flavor makes brushing fun.
6
A gentle, non-toxic mouth rinse that supports gum health and good bacteria balance.
7
Perfect for teething babies. The hollow T-shaped ones give just the right amount of pressure and help massage and stimulate the jaw — without gagging.
8
A dentist-developed duo that fills the mineral gaps missing in today’s food supply, supporting natural cavity prevention. Together, they strengthen enamel and bones, support healthy growth, and help your child rebuild naturally from the inside out.
9
A gentle, herbal teething remedy that soothes sore gums and calms fussiness while supporting healthy oral and jaw development — without drugs or harsh chemicals.
10
An eco-friendly, dentist-designed brush with ultra-soft bristles that’s gentle on gums and perfect for little hands. It stands upright (no mess!) and helps kids build healthy brushing habits naturally.
A Few Quick Notes from Dr. Michelle:
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Avoid silicone bristle toothbrushes — they don’t actually clean the teeth.
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If your child breathes through their mouth at night, try mouth tape and talk with your dentist about airway development.
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Encourage raw veggies and meats — they help strengthen the jaw and stimulate proper growth.
Why Nutrition Matters Just as Much as Brushing
Even the best toothpaste can’t out-brush a poor diet. Kids’ teeth — just like their bones — are made of minerals. If they’re not getting enough of those minerals from food and supplements, the teeth simply can’t stay strong.
Here’s where I always start:
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Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Think eggs, leafy greens, raw veggies, grass-fed meats, and dairy (if tolerated).
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Limit processed snacks — especially goldfish, crackers, fruit snacks, and sticky dried fruit. These foods break down into sugars that feed harmful mouth bacteria and create an acidic environment where cavities thrive.
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Don’t panic if your child loves these snacks — it’s not about perfection, it’s about balance. Try offering them with meals (not as constant snacks) and have your child rinse or drink water afterward.
Remember — consistency is more powerful than perfection.
The Bigger Picture: A Whole-Body Approach to Oral Health
Your child’s mouth is part of their whole body — not separate from it.
When they breathe well, eat well, and get the right minerals, they grow well.
Healthy teeth mean more than a bright smile — they mean better focus, better sleep, better digestion, and better development.
I know firsthand that raising healthy kids isn’t always easy — but it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. And I’m here to help you make it simpler, more natural, and more effective every step of the way.
Your journey to healthier smiles starts here.