We all want what is best for our children - including their teeth. But with all the information and misconceptions out there, sometimes it can be hard to sort through what is fact and what is fiction. To help you out, we’ve listed some of the most common myths and facts about your child’s teeth below:
MYTH 1 - Since permanent teeth come in, the baby teeth don’t matter
Just because baby teeth fall out, doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to the same decay and disease as adult teeth. If your child’s baby teeth aren’t properly cared for, bacteria and decay can easily be passed down to the tooth waiting to come in behind it. Additionally, baby teeth serve as placeholders in the mouth - having these teeth fall out too early (due to lack of care/decay) can cause crowding when the permanent teeth start to move in.
MYTH 2 - Most children have cavities due to their ‘soft’ teeth.
There is no such thing as soft teeth! Enamel of both baby teeth and adult teeth is the hardest substance in the body. Cavities can develop due to a poor diet (take sugary juices into consideration) and from the transferring of utensils/cleaning off pacifiers in the parent’s mouths.
MYTH 3 - My child is able to brush his/her own teeth
While it may appear that your child is capable of brushing their own teeth, chances are they struggle with getting those hard to reach places. While its certainly important to get them into the habit of brushing their own teeth, you may still want to oversee their brushing efforts to make sure they are getting the job done!
MYTH 4- Dentist appointments aren’t necessary for a few years
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or six months after the eruption of their first tooth. By establishing a dental home early, you will be more likely to avoid serious dental issues that could result in extensive treatment and even possible sedation.
If you have more questions or concerns about these common baby teeth myths, give us a call! At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever. Our practice has been providing excellent pediatric dentistry to children of Long Island for over 14 years. We have three locations: Nesconset, Massapequa Park and our newest location in West Islip.
