There are lots of myths surrounding children’s oral health, and as a parent, you want to make sure you’re paying attention to the right information. Following are some common facts you may have heard that we’re busting.
Cavities Can’t Form in Baby Teeth
This is certainly a myth- tooth decay that occurs in baby teeth can very easily affect adult teeth. If tooth decay happens in baby teeth, they will need to be taken out, which easily affects mouth spacing. The open space in the mouth will need to be carefully maintained, and the adult tooth may even grow in the wrong spot.
Cavities are also painful and can interfere with tasks such as eating and drinking, in adult teeth as well as baby teeth.
Children Don’t Need to Floss
Flossing is extremely vital to a complete oral healthcare routine, and by skipping over flossing, you’re actually missing about 80% of your tooth’s surfaces. Cavities can form in between teeth, and children can easily get cavities as discussed above. In addition, children are also at risk for gum disease.
Establishing flossing habits early on not only helps prevent the early onset of gum disease, but it establishes the importance and relevance of gum disease to children.
Cavities Are Inevitable So There’s No Point in Trying to Prevent Them
This is entirely false- cavities are completely preventable with the right oral care practices and recurring dental visits. The American Dental Association encourages that all children and adults should see a dentist every six months for cleanings. These bi-annual dental check-ups not only help prevent cavities and give children’s mouths a pristine clean, but they can identify and prevent other dental issues.
Children Don’t Need to Start Visiting the Dentist Until They Start School
Some parents believe their children don’t need to start visiting the dentist until after they start growing permanent teeth, or until they start school, or until problems occur. However, it’s highly recommended that children begin seeing a dentist once they turn one year old, or within six months of their first tooth coming through.
Bringing them in at a young age has a slew of benefits, such as managing oral habits such as thumb sucking and teething, assessing how their teeth are coming in, ensuring there are no glaring pediatric dental issues, watching the development of the jawline and gums, and more.
Contact Our Children’s Dentist Near Irving
If your child is nearing one year of age, they have a tooth erupting, is experiencing dental issues, or you are simply otherwise looking for a trustworthy pediatric dentist, we’d love to see you! Give our office a call to schedule an appointment today at one of our four office locations.
