When it comes to your little ones, you want to do whatever is best for them, especially when it comes to their health. Though the internet is full of information regarding children’s dentistry, not everything you read is correct. So, how can you know what is and isn’t true? To help you separate facts from fiction, here are five common myths about children’s dentistry – debunked!
Myth #1: Kids Don’t Need Fluoride Until They’re Older
Fluorosis is a condition that causes small white spots to form on the teeth as the result of overexposure to fluoride in childhood. For this reason, many parents keep their kids away from fluoride until they’re older. Fluoride is a key factor in the development of strong teeth because it prevents acids from breaking down enamel and helps teeth repair themselves, so this myth is definitely not true. To avoid overexposure, the ADA recommends that children under the age of three use fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
Myth #2: Crowns or Fillings for Baby Teeth Are a Waste of Money
Though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s essential to protect them from harm until then. Baby teeth, or primary teeth, help guide the permanent ones into the right place. They also play a key part in helping children learn to speak and eat correctly. If one of your little one’s primary teeth sustains damage or becomes decayed, have it repaired by their dentist as soon as possible.
Myth #3: Only Sweets Cause Cavities
When your child eats sugar, this gives harmful oral bacteria plenty to feed on. These bacteria will then release acids that attack the tooth enamel and cause cavities and decay. High-carb and starchy foods like crackers, cereal, and bread break down into sugar in the mouth, so they can cause tooth decay in the same way as sweet treats.
Myth #4: Juice Is Healthier Than Water
Many companies use misleading wording and imagery to make their products seem healthier than they actually are. In reality, most of these products are actually loaded with added sugar. Even some 100% fruit juices contain the same amount of sugar as a glass of soda. Water is always the best choice for your little one’s smile. It even helps wash away leftover sugar, food particles, and bacteria.
Myth #5: Kids Should Never Chew Gum
Chewing gum increases saliva production, which can help keep bacteria from flourishing and leading to cavities or gum disease. Just make sure the gum your child chews is sugar-free so that oral bacteria won’t have much to feed on.
When in doubt, contact your dentist to get a clear answer on what is and isn’t good for your little one’s pearly whites. By remembering the five above myths and helping them keep a consistent oral health routine, your child’s smile will stay bright and beautiful!
About the Practice
Turning Leaf Dental is here to help you and your child prevent oral health issues so they can maintain a lovely and luminous smile. They offer oral health services to patients of all ages and can debunk myths about children’s dentistry so you know the proper way to help your child care for their pearly whites. Call Turning Leaf Dental at (617) 536-5182 or visit their website for more information on their children’s dentistry services or to schedule an appointment.