As a new parent, you likely have many questions about what’s best for your child’s dental health. You might have heard conflicting information from well-meaning family or friends who have unwittingly shared misinformation about managing your little one’s grin.
Plenty of false rumors regarding the proper care of kids’ smiles have seemingly become “common knowledge” but might hurt their teeth or gums. Continue reading to learn about 3 myths about pediatric dentistry that you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: My Kid Needs All Their Teeth Before a Visit
Many guardians believe that they don’t need to bother with scheduling their child’s first dental appointment until their baby teeth have all erupted. However, it’s usually better to book their first visit much sooner. The American Dental Association recommends that they have their first checkup when their first tooth arrives, which is usually around one year old, and then every six months after.
Seeing your pediatric dentist consistently allows them to monitor your loved one’s still-developing smile to prevent potential problems. Plus, it teaches them the value of properly caring for their teeth and gums to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other issues.
Myth #2: Cavities in Baby Teeth Don’t Matter
Another false assumption many people have is that there’s no need to regularly clean their kid’s mouth because their primary teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent ones, anyway. Unfortunately, many children have developed cavities that have detracted from their oral health as a result.
Tooth decay is contagious and can affect your little one’s gum tissues, jawbone, and even adult teeth before they arrive. Not only that, but cavities can hurt. If your child hasn’t learned to speak much yet, they might also be in pain but are unable to tell you. If you notice darkened or damaged enamel or they show signs of distress when eating, it’s time to contact your pediatric dentist.
Myth #3: Cavities are Only Caused by Sugar
You might think that you’re shielding your kid’s grin by limiting their sugar consumption, and although this is indeed helpful, it’s not the only cause of cavities. Sugar attracts bacteria that produce acids that wear down your child’s enamel to infect the tender tissues and nerves inside, and avoiding it is wise.
That said, starches that stick to your little one’s teeth and gums are just as risky! Saliva starts immediately breaking down crackers, potatoes, and bready foods into simple sugars like glucose. Though this provides your kid with some much-needed energy to learn and grow, it also can result in tooth decay.
If you have additional questions about your child’s oral condition, the best next step is to consult their pediatric dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Nisha Mehta is passionate about helping children from 0 to 18 build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. She graduated with a dental degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and then completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry and her Masters in Oral Sciences. Today, she’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, so you can trust that your kid’s grin is in good hands. She enjoys getting to know patients so she can customize treatment plans to meet their unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (281) 849-3003.