Are you the parent or guardian of a small child or infant? If so, one of your greatest responsibilities is to monitor and maintain your child’s dental condition. However, many well-meaning caregivers are equipped with misinformation about what’s appropriate for still-developing teeth and gums.
Continue reading to learn 3 common misunderstandings about pediatric dentistry so you can help your kid develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime!
Myth #1: Baby Teeth Don’t Need to be Brushed
Most children start teething and show signs that their first pearly whites have arrived around one year old. It’d be easy to think that you don’t need to worry about brushing these early arrivals until your little one starts eating more solid foods. If they’re still drinking milk or formula, you might assume that cleaning isn’t necessary.
The truth is that it’s better to start brushing as soon as you see a white mound appear. Use a soft-bristled brush and a rice-grain-sized amount of kid’s toothpaste that will be gentle on their gums. You can graduate to a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste when they’re about 3 years old and can spit out the chemicals rather than swallow them. This prevents common dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease, that can negatively impact their adult teeth before they arrive.
Myth #2: Cavities for Kids Don’t Matter
Another falsehood that continues to circulate is that parents don’t need to have cavities treated in their child’s baby teeth because they will fall out anyway. It’s true that they’re replaced with adult chompers as your kid grows, but untreated cavities cause problems that can affect their dental condition moving forward.
If bacteria penetrate your little one’s enamel, they might be in pain and can’t tell you. Not only that, but they can develop an infection that spreads to their gums, jawbone, or other areas of their body. It is known to contribute to other health conditions, like potential heart issues or diabetes, if it is allowed to progress. If you notice your child is avoiding food or expresses distress when eating, it may be time to contact your pediatric dentist to check for cavities.
Myth #3: My Child Doesn’t Need a Dental Visit Yet
Many adults assume that their kid doesn’t need to visit the dentist until their baby teeth have all erupted. The longer you wait to take your child for their first exam, the more likely they are to have issues that will need to be addressed by the time you do. Your child might develop cavities or gum disease that you’re unaware of, which can affect how their adult teeth grow in.
If germs have penetrated their baby teeth, the ensuing infection can spread to the permanent ones waiting in their jawbone. This can cause delayed eruption, discoloration, and malformations. The American Dental Association recommends taking your little one for their first examination and cleaning when their first tooth appears, which is usually close to a year old.
Now that you have more solid information, you can take appropriate steps to care for your child’s dental well-being!
Meet the Author
Dr. Natalie Gardner has a decade of experience helping children build and maintain the happiest, healthiest version of their smiles. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Dentistry then completed two years as a Pediatric Dental Medicine Resident at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Now, she offers a wide range of services at one convenient location to guide your child’s dental development. If your child needs a checkup, you can request an appointment on the website or call (267) 481-7707.