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Essential things every parent should know
Misconceptions about children’s oral hygiene are everywhere! Discover the 8 most common myths and learn what you really need to know to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright
Hello parents! Kids’ oral health is often surrounded by conflicting advice. As a pediatric dentist and mom, I understand the desire to give our children the best care, but many myths can negatively affect their dental health in the long run.
Let’s debunk the 8 most common dental myths parents must know to keep their child’s smile healthy and bright!
Common Myths:
1. ‘You should start caring for your child’s teeth before the permanent ones arrive.”
FACT: Children’s oral health begins before the first tooth erupts!
Start oral care for your baby in the first days. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a damp cloth after every feeding to ensure proper oral health.
When your baby’s first teeth come in (typically between 6-12 months), begin brushing with:
- Children’s toothbrush with extra-soft bristles
- A small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
Why does this matter? Baby teeth are essential for:
- Proper development of chewing
- Proper speech development
- Helping guide the alignment of permanent teeth
Neglecting this stage can lead to early childhood cavities (known as ‘baby bottle tooth decay’), which cause intense pain and may affect the development of permanent teeth.
2. ‘Children don’t need to use dental floss.
FACT: Once your child’s teeth begin to touch, daily flossing becomes a must!
Parents are often surprised that kids need to start flossing as early as age 2 or 3, once their baby teeth begin to touch. Early flossing is key to preventing cavities between teeth.
Benefits of early flossing:
- Removes food particles from areas a toothbrush can’t reach
- Prevents cavities between teeth (interproximal cavities)
- Protects gum health
- Builds a lifelong flossing habit that supports dental health into adulthood
Pro tip: Parents should help with flossing until children develop the motor skills to do it on their own—usually around ages 8 to 10. Floss holders can make the process much easier!
3. ‘Fluoride is harmful and not safe for kids
FACT: Fluoride, when used properly, helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens kids’ teeth.
Many parents misunderstand fluoride. In the right amount, fluoride strengthens enamel and is key to cavity prevention in kids.
Guidelines for safe fluoride use:
Age Amount of toothpaste Visual Comparison
0-3 years Minimum amount Size of a grain of rice
3-6 years Small amount Size of a pea
Important: Supervise your child’s brushing to prevent swallowing toothpaste. Start teaching them to spit out excess toothpaste early on.
4. ‘Thumb sucking or pacifiers don’t affect teeth.
FACT: Prolonged sucking habits can lead to serious dental issues!
While thumb sucking or pacifier use is normal and even beneficial in the first few months of life, prolonged use can lead to significant changes in the formation of teeth and jaws.
Possible consequences:
- Open bite
- Forwardly protruding teeth
- Changes in the shape of the palate
- Speech problems
Recommendation: Ideally, children should stop these habits by age 3. If your child continues after this age, consult a pediatric dentist for specific guidance.
5. ‘I only need to take my child to the dentist when there’s a problem.
FACT: Regular dental visits are essential for prevention!
Many parents only take their children to the dentist when there’s pain or a visible issue. This reactive approach can lead to more complex treatments and traumatic experiences for the child.
Recommended schedule:
- First visit: Around the first birthday or when the first tooth appears.
- Regular visits: Every 6 months.
Benefits of preventive visits:
Application of preventive measures like sealants and professional fluoride treatments.
Familiarizing the child with the dental environment.
Early detection of problems.
Personalized guidance on oral hygiene and nutrition.
6. ‘Natural foods don’t cause cavities.
FACT: Even healthy foods can contribute to the development of cavities!
It’s common to think that only processed sweets cause cavities, but the truth is that any food with fermentable carbohydrates can contribute to the problem.
Natural foods that can impact dental health and require attention:
- Dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
- Honey
- Undiluted natural juices
- Ripe bananas
How to minimize the risks:
- Offer these foods during main meals, not as frequent snacks.
- Avoid sticky foods before bedtime.
- Brush teeth after consumption or, at the very least, offer water to rinse.
7. ‘The most expensive toothbrush is always the best.’
FACT: What matters is choosing the right toothbrush for your child’s age and using the proper technique!
Don’t be fooled by marketing or price. An effective toothbrush for children should have:
- A small brush head that can reach all teeth, including the back molars, for effective cleaning.
- Soft bristles that won’t harm the gums
- Ergonomic handle suitable for small hands
Keep in mind:
- Replace the toothbrush every 3 months.
- Replace immediately after episodes of infectious diseases
- The brushing technique and frequency play a more crucial role in maintaining oral health than the type of toothbrush used.
8. ‘Mouthwashes are suitable for all ages.
FACT: Most mouthwashes are not recommended for young children!
Mouthwash is typically unnecessary for children under 6 years of age. Furthermore, many mouthwashes contain alcohol or fluoride levels that are unsuitable for young children and can be harmful.
Potential risks of using mouthwash incorrectly:
- Accidental ingestion of the product
- Sensitivity in the oral mucosa
- Altered taste
- Masking of oral issues that require evaluation
When indicated: Only under professional guidance and with age-appropriate products for children.
Caring for your child’s smile with correct information
Now that you know the truth behind these common misconceptions, you are better equipped to ensure your little one’s oral health! Remember:
✅ Prevention is always the key to a healthy smile”
✅ Establish a consistent oral hygiene routine for your child
✅ Ensure regular dental visits for professional care
✅ Set a positive example by practicing good oral habits yourself
Do you have any questions about your child’s oral health? Have you ever believed any of these myths? Share in the comments!
Affectionate hugs,
Mama Smile
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