If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard all sorts of advice about your child’s teeth from family members, friends, and most certainly social media. Unfortunately, though, not all of it is true! There is a lot of misinformation floating around out there that can leave parents stumped or uncertain about how to best care for their child’s growing smile. With that in mind, here are some of the most common myths pertaining to children’s dentistry and why they simply aren’t true!
Myth #1: Baby Teeth Fall Out, So They Don’t Need to Be Brushed
Baby teeth might be temporary, but their job is essential. They help your child chew, speak, and smile confidently. They also act as placeholders for the adult teeth and ensure they can erupt properly when the time comes. Losing them too early because of decay or injury can lead to alignment and spacing issues later on, so be sure that your child is caring for them as diligently as you’d care for your own adult teeth.
Myth #2: Only Sugary Items Can Cause Cavities
While sugar is a major factor, it’s not the only one. Cavity-causing bacteria feed on any carbohydrate, including starchy snacks and things like crackers, cereal, and even juice. When it comes to cavities, what matters most is how often your child’s teeth are exposed to these foods. This is why frequent snacking or sipping is known to greatly increase the risk of decay.
Myth #3: Cavities in Baby Teeth Don’t Need to Be Treated
Cavities can cause pain, damage to teeth, and difficulty eating, even when they’re affecting baby teeth. Plus, when left untreated, the decay can spread and affect the development of permanent teeth, not to mention other nearby baby teeth. Simply put, treating cavities early keeps your child comfortable and prevents long-term, serious dental issues.
Myth #4: Fluoride Isn’t Safe for Children
Fluoride is found in almost all oral hygiene products, as well as most local drinking water supplies. When used correctly, it’s one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent cavities for children and adults alike. It can strengthen tooth enamel and even reverse early signs of decay, and during a routine checkup and cleaning, your child’s dentist can quickly administer a treatment to provide extra protection for their teeth in between visits.
While some of these myths might seem convincing at first glance, it’s important to know how to properly and safely guide your child’s dental health. Understanding the facts can help you protect their teeth and help them build healthy habits that last a lifetime!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Jiana Panos, Dr. Asim Awan, Dr. Sarah Specht, and Dr. Ji-Hoon Min, our team here at Tic Tac Tooth has served the dental needs of families in Naperville and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (630) 995-3393.