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Originally Posted On: https://kidsstopdentistry.com/7-myths-about-childrens-dental-care/

 

Do you know that 16 percent of Texas children aged one to 17 have one or more oral health problems? The huge number is attributed to children’s dental care that’s not done right. As a parent, you want to keep any kid’s oral problems at bay, so you should practice proper dental care.

It can be scary for a first-time parent to pull off proper dental care for their kids. As a result, they turn to the wide variety of online information available. Unfortunately, most of the information online about children’s dental health is mostly myths.

Taking care of your children’s oral health requires knowing the truth about it. Here are some myths about children’s dental care.

1. A Dental Visit Isn’t Necessary Until Kids Have Oral Problems

One of the common mistakes most parents make is ignoring the need for their child to visit the dentist. The notion that your kid doesn’t need an exam unless they have oral concerns is misleading.

First-time parents postpone their child’s first dental visit since they don’t see the need for it. Additionally, some parents ignore dental checkups to save money. Delaying the dental exam leaves problems undetected which become expensive to treat in the future.

There’s no harm in tagging your child along for a family dental checkup, at least semi-annually. Introducing your child to dental care early helps build their interest in oral health.

Schedule a kid’s dentist checkup for your child even when they have no oral problems. The dental exam is a surefire way to maintain optimal oral health for you and your kids alike.

2. Brush Hard For Cleaner Teeth

A common misconception is that using force when brushing results in cleaner teeth. Most parents, therefore, apply pressure when brushing their kid’s teeth which can be injurious. The possible outcome of brushing hard includes bleeding gums or even broken teeth.

Brushing teeth effectively relies on technique rather than power. Use the right tools for the perfect clean. If you can’t get the results you want, it’s advisable to visit a children’s dental clinic.

3. Cavities Are Only Caused By Sugar

I’m sure you’d hate to see cavities on your child’s teeth. However, there’s an assumption that keeping your child off sugar is a certain way to avoid cavities. The assumption is wrong since cavities aren’t only caused by sugar.

Sugar indeed contributes to cavity formation, but it isn’t the only item that can cause the problem. Bacteria love feeding on carbohydrates, so any form of food can cause cavities. Plaques on your child’s teeth increase the chances of tooth decay, so try getting rid of it.

Ensure your child brushes and flosses often to reduce the risk of cavities. Most cavities can be noted early on visiting a children’s dental center. Schedule that checkup today!

4. You Don’t Need To Brush Baby’s Teeth

You’re probably wondering whether your kid’s teeth ever get dirty. Don’t let the white surface lie to you; kids accumulate dirt in their teeth as much as adults do. The myth that you don’t need to brush your baby’s teeth is wrong.

Primary teeth, although placeholders for permanent teeth, also influence your kid’s health. You, therefore, need to take care of them to avoid complications down the line. Brushing your kid’s teeth is the most efficient way to clean the teeth.

Find a kid-friendly brush and toothpaste for an efficient clean. If you’re unsure about any tooth brushing procedure, consult your pediatric dentist in Fort Worth, Texas.

5. Flossing Is A Waste Of Time

Most Americans are reluctant to introduce their little ones to flossing. However, flossing is essential to maintain good oral health for kids and adults alike.

Flossing removes the plaque and tartar buildup in between teeth. Experts recommend starting flossing for kids as soon as two teeth touch each other. The floss reaches areas of your teeth that brushing can’t, leaving you plaque-free.

Introducing your child to flossing helps develop their interest in oral health. Consequentially, it eradicates the possibility of early tooth decay issues. Consult your pediatrician on the correct type of floss to use for your kids.

6. Pacifiers Are Bad For Children’s Teeth

Did you know that your baby’s sucking on fingers is a self-soothing reflex? The habits develop naturally even before they’re born. As a result, it’s perfectly okay for infants and newborns to use pacifiers to soothe themselves.

Most children will stop sucking their pacifiers between two and four years of age. The habit is only a concern if they use the pacifiers past the specific age. However, ask your children’s dental services provider for solutions to help your child stop using the pacifier.

7. Don’t Use Fluoride Toothpaste On Kids

Are you worried about using fluoride toothpaste on your kid since you heard it’s bad for them? That information might have misled you since it’s perfectly safe to use fluoride toothpaste on them.

It’s true that children often swallow toothpaste during brushing. As a result, you’ll be cautious about what they’ll likely ingest. However, don’t drop kids’ toothpaste with fluoride over the fear of ingestion.

ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste use on children since it’s practically unharmful. Fluoride also helps to strengthen teeth, thus preventing cavities.

To deal with the issue of kids swallowing the toothpaste, use a pea-sized amount when brushing. That amount is enough to get your kid’s pearly whites clean.

You Now Know The Myths About Children’s Dental Care

Children’s dental care seems overly complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve debunked the common myths about children’s dental care in the above article.

If you’re looking for a children’s dental clinic in Fort Worth, TX, Kids Stop Dentistry got you covered! We care about your child’s smile, so we focus on maintaining dental health. Our experts are ready to help with any questions you may have about oral health care for your kid.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.