If you’re a parent, you probably know that your child’s health needs are often very different from yours. Their teeth are no exception, but if you try to do your research on the internet, you’re bound to run into some misinformation! That’s why this post is fact-checking several common myths about children’s dentistry. Keep reading to get the truth from a qualified professional.
“You Don’t Need to Brush Baby Teeth”
Sure, your child’s baby teeth aren’t going to be around forever. However, they do serve several important functions. For one thing, they pave the way for your little one’s future adult teeth. If baby pearly whites are straight, their permanent counterparts are also likely to grow in straight! For another thing, these temporary pearly whites help your child learn how to talk and chew more effectively.
If bacteria build up leads to cavities and tooth loss, then not brushing baby teeth can have a negative impact on your child’s development. It’s important to keep them healthy and clean.
“Chewing Gum is Always Bad”
Believe it or not, chewing gum isn’t necessarily bad for your smile. While the sugary kind can increase cavity risk, sugarless gum actually helps keep teeth clean by stimulating saliva production and picking up excess bacteria. If your kiddo really likes gum, sugarless will do!
“Juice is Fine When It’s in a Sippy Cup”
The problem with fruit juice is that it contains a lot of sugar, and sugar accelerates bacteria growth, making it more difficult to prevent cavities with regular brushing. And the problem with drinking juice through a sippy cup is that children tend to bite and chew on the mouthpiece. Straw-like openings only limit a drink’s contact with teeth if you take care not to launch the liquid straight towards your pearly whites!
Basically, it’s more likely that your child is increasing the sugar content in their mouth with a sippy cup, not decreasing it.
“Kids Can Brush Their Own Teeth Just Fine”
Just because someone is technically scrubbing a toothbrush back and forth doesn’t mean they’re doing a good job of eliminating oral bacteria. The Journal of Periodontal Research found that 5-year-olds only get about 25% of their dental surfaces on their own. It’s good to encourage your child’s independence, but for the sake of their oral health, it’s better to supervise their routine until their motor skills become more refined.
Now that these myths are officially busted, do you feel better informed about your child’s oral health? If you still have questions or concerns, or if there’s a “fact” this post didn’t cover, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist. They’ll gladly set the record straight!
About the Author
Dr. Matt Strumpf completed his pediatric dentistry training at the University of Illinois Chicago, and is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He believes children’s dentistry is kind of like teaching them how to swim: it can be scary, but with the right people, it’s not so bad! If you’d like more information about your child’s oral health needs, schedule a checkup and cleaning at Dr. Strumpf’s office by calling 651-450-6111.