Child dentistry myths debunked by our dentist
Children are naturally not fond of dental chairs or appointments so, many parents believe that it won’t do any harm to skip a couple of checkups. And there are plenty of myths out there that support this reasoning relating to childhood dental care.
Our team at Aura Dental believes that prevention is better than cure, and our dentist St John’s Wood is always eager to see younger patients to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.
Here, our dentist St John’s Wood debunks some of the most common myths that surround children’s dentistry so that you can be better equipped to help your kids get on the path to better oral health.
Myth 1 – Baby teeth aren’t important
This is one of the most common myths that, frankly, drives our dentist St John’s Wood, a bit mad!
Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They help your child to speak and eat correctly. They also allow your child to develop their tongue muscles, so they are less likely to develop a speech impediment. And finally, baby teeth are important because they act as place markers for adult teeth. If they are removed too early due to decay, this can cause the adult teeth to erupt in a crooked position. So, take care of your children’s baby teeth!
Myth 2 – Dummies or pacifiers can cause issues with alignment
Babies and toddlers suck their thumbs or pacifiers as a form of self-soothing behaviour. Prenatal scans have even found that babies suck their fingers and thumbs in the womb. In short, it is normal behaviour that calms them down when they are stressed.
Dental research has found that sucking on dummies, pacifiers or thumbs does not equate to misaligned teeth, provided that this behaviour does not continue past the age of 4; most children naturally stop this habit between the ages of 2 and 4. If your child continues to suck their thumb past this age, you should contact our team for advice.
Myth 3 – Children don’t need a fluoride toothpaste
Tooth decay can occur when the first of your child’s teeth erupt. So, it is best to invest in an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste to prevent those newly erupting teeth from cavities.
For children under the age of 3, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and an electric toothbrush; this will prevent them from swallowing the toothpaste and help to get the best clean.
Myth 4 – Only sugar causes cavities
It is something of gospel truth in dentistry that sugar causes cavities.
But starchy, high-carbohydrate foods like crackers, bread and chips can also increase the chance of cavities developing. So, to keep your child’s teeth healthy, remind them to brush and floss them every day.
Myth 5 – Chewing gum can create cavities
Chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for your children’s teeth. It helps to increase saliva production, which reduces the likelihood of plaque and debris affixing to your child’s teeth, hence, reducing cavities. It can also help to remove debris simply by being sticky, so, provided that it is sugar-free, let them chew away!