20 Myths About Your Childs Mouth Care: Busted

This myth causes lots of long-term problems. The sooner you take care of a problem, such as a cavity or misaligned teeth, the better. That’s why kids should get regular check-ups, even when they don’t feel any discomfort.

Cavities are caused by a certain type of bacteria that invades the mouth. While sugar can set off this process, so can many other foods, including many starches, fruits and even vegetables. 

Tooth decay that affects baby teeth can also have an impact on the permanent teeth that grow in later. That’s why it’s important to take good care of those baby teeth.

Some people believe that gum or periodontal diseases are something only adults have to worry about. The truth is, young kids and teenagers often have problems like gingivitis, which causes the swelling of gums. 

It’s best to take a child to the dentist as soon as you see the appearance of any teeth. This not only ensures that everything is going well, it will also get the child comfortable with going to the dentist at an early age. 

While it’s great to teach your kids about the value of visiting the dentist, don’t overdo it. For example, if you discuss complicated procedures that you’ve gone through, you might end up scaring him or her. 

Kids who need braces may have a fear that they will have trouble with everyday activities such as playing sports, singing or even eating. While braces can cause some soreness at first, kids will usually get used to them fairly quickly and lead normal lives. 

All teeth should be brushed, even the first baby teeth that you see in your infant’s mouth. Baby teeth should be brushed gently, but they do need to be kept clean. Your dentist can advise you on the best techniques.

Flossing is a vital practice that can help prevent cavities and other dental problems. Kids should learn to floss along with brushing. 

Juice is actually high in fructose, which can contribute to tooth decay as well as obesity. Some juice is okay, but it should be limited to four ounces per day. Juice should be considered a treat, similar to soda and other sugary drinks.

While kids can learn the basics of brushing at a very early age, the manual dexterity needed for effective brushing doesn't develop until around age 8. An adult should help brush the child's teeth until then, sometimes even later.

An electric toothbrush can be a useful tool for motivating a kid to brush properly. If you get an electric toothbrush for your child, make sure it has the stamp of approval from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 

While pacifiers can be helpful in some ways, such as helping babies to sleep, they can also contribute to tooth misalignment. For this reason, it’s best for children to stop using them once they reach the age of two. 

Bad bites or malocclusions can cause problems for the teeth and gums if not treated early. If teeth are crooked or not aligned properly, the risk of cavities and other problems goes up. 

It is actually a fast and painless process that can prevent your child’s tooth from decaying. 

With the right attitude, kids can learn to enjoy brushing their teeth. By turning it into a game, it can become a fun challenge. 

While pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with kids, and their offices are catered to kids, some general dentists are perfectly capable of treating children as well. If you aren’t sure, you can ask your pediatrician or family dentist for advice.

All you really need for effective brushing is a basic soft bristle brush and any toothpaste with fluoride. While kids might prefer fancier brands, there’s no need to spend a lot on these items.