Children’s dentistry is often surrounded by mystery. After all, it is kind of weird if you think about it. Baby teeth come in staggered and then fall out a few years later, and because of their short stay, some people don’t think they’re all that important. But the truth is, these temporary choppers are not only crucial to your child’s oral health, but they’re also pretty cool. Here’s a closer look at the role they play and 5 common myths about children’s dentistry!
Myth #1: Baby Teeth Aren’t Important Because They Will Fall Out Eventually
Although it’s true that baby teeth are temporary, they’re still vitally important for speech, chewing, and helping your child’s adult teeth develop in the proper position. Furthermore, although they’re named for a stage that only lasts a few years, some of these temporary teeth can stick around until your child is 12 to 14, so they’re still necessary for quite a while. Losing them too early due to cavities or excessive decay may not seem like a big deal, but it can ultimately lead to misalignment problems that could require orthodontic correction later.
Myth #2: Fluoride Isn’t Safe for Kids
Studies have shown time and time again that fluoride is not only safe, but it can prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. For children who are too young to properly spit out toothpaste after brushing, you only need just a rice grain sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste to clean their teeth. Once they’re old enough to spit consistently, you can expand to a pea-sized amount.
Myth #3: Dental X-Rays Aren’t Safe for Children
The great news is that today’s dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation that are perfectly safe for children. The average dental X-ray exposes a child to approximately the same amount of radiation as a day in the sun. These images are vitally important for your child’s dentist to detect hidden issues like cavities, as well as to monitor the growth of their emerging adult teeth.
Myth #4: Children Don’t Need to See the Dentist Until They Have All Their Baby Teeth
While it may seem like a waste of time to take a child to the dentist with just one or two teeth, the truth is that the earlier you bring them, the sooner they’ll be comfortable with the dentist. Furthermore, if there are any emerging problems, they can be caught early, before they ever get a chance to get worse. Thus, be sure to schedule their debut visit by either their first birthday or the eruption of their first baby tooth!
Myth #5: Juice Is Good for Children’s Teeth
Juice is a tricky topic, because even if it contains all natural sugars and acids, it can still weaken the tooth enamel. Worse yet, prolonged drinking from bottles and sippy cups can increase the risk of cavities even further. Thus, be sure to stick to mostly water. If your little one would still like juice, limit their consumption to between four and six ounces a day, and encourage them to drink from an open cup.
Remember, while they may seem a bit mysterious and confusing, baby teeth are incredibly important for your child to eat, speak, and smile while they grow. To protect them and ensure your child’s oral health stays on track for a lifetime, be sure to help them brush, floss, and visit the pediatric dentist every six months!
About Dr. Pike
Dr. Steven Pike earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, his Master of Public Health from Tulane University, and his dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He has proudly served on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry conference committee and is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. To schedule a check-up and cleaning for your child, visit our website or call us at 503-297-1711.