Milk teeth, primary teeth, baby teeth – there are a lot of names for the first set of pearly whites that grow in a child’s mouth. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there regarding how to take care of these teeth. Since kids’ smiles are constantly changing, whether they’re losing old teeth or gaining new ones, it’s no wonder that rumors abound. Keep reading as a family dentist debunks four popular myths about children’s teeth.
Myth #1: There’s No Point in Brushing Baby Teeth
If your child’s first set of teeth are just going to fall out eventually, there’s no need to brush them, right? Wrong.
Primary teeth do a whole lot more than make for adorable baby photos. They help your son or daughter chew properly so they can get the nutrients they need. Furthermore, baby teeth help in early speech development, preserve facial structure, and serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too early as a result of decay, their adult teeth could grow in at awkward angles and require orthodontic treatment later on. Every tooth in your little one’s smile is important, so make sure they stay clean!
Myth #2: Younger Kids Don’t Need to Use Fluoride Toothpaste
It’s possible for a child to develop cavities as soon as their first tooth erupts. For that reason, the American Dental Association suggests brushing with fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of decay.
Keep in mind, though, that younger kids are more likely to swallow toothpaste. For children under the age of two, only use a dab of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, and switch to a pea-sized amount after age three.
Myth #3: Chewing Gum Is Bad for Kids’ Teeth
Chewing gum can actually benefit your child’s teeth, but only if it’s sugar-free. Sugarless gum doesn’t give cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth enough fuel to damage tooth enamel. Better yet, the act of chewing leads to more saliva production, which can neutralize acids from plaque and lower the risk of cavities.
Myth #4: Sugar Is the Only Thing That Causes Cavities
It’s not exactly a parenting secret that too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. However, sugar isn’t the only culprit. Starches can also enable bacteria in the mouth to create plaque, which sticks to the teeth and can eventually result in cavities. While you should definitely be careful of how much candy your child eats, make sure they also don’t overindulge in starchy items like potato chips and bread.
Setting good oral habits from an early age will help your child’s teeth develop properly, ensuring they have a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have any further questions about taking care of your child’s teeth, feel free to ask your family dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Moulton has 30+ years of experience in the dental field. He particularly enjoys caring for growing smiles. To that end, he offers a number of children’s dentistry services, such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and routine checkups. To get the facts on helping your young one maintain a healthy smile, contact Moulton Dentistry at 205-988-3360.