February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and we at Mid Cities Dental find that many parents still carry dangerous misconceptions about their children’s oral hygiene. Dental health is important for your child’s overall well-being, and taking proper care of their teeth is crucial during the early years. Here are a few common misconceptions parents have about their child’s dental health.
Misconception: Children Do Not Need to Brush for the Same Amount of Time as Adults
Many parents believe that because their children have smaller mouths and teeth, they do not need to brush for the same amount of time. This could not be further from the truth – children definitely need to brush their teeth for the same amount of time that adults do.
Children should aim to brush their teeth for at least two minutes. It can be difficult to keep track of this timing. There are downloadable apps that have timers so you can make sure your child is brushing for long enough. In addition, some children’s electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that stop once the two minutes are up.
Misconception: Diet Doesn’t Matter for Oral Health
Diet is incredibly important for a child’s overall oral health. Good oral health starts early. A child can feel pain and discomfort due to cavities and other complications. Make sure that you limit your child’s intake of sugar and sugary drinks, which can promote cavities. Even if your child does not eat a lot of sugar, limit their carb intake and promote healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables.
Misconception: Children Don’t Need to Floss
While flossing can be difficult for children, they should floss regularly once the baby molars start to come in. For small children, parents only need to floss between teeth that are touching. For older children, all teeth should receive daily flossing. You should assist with flossing until your children are old enough to do it themselves.
Misconception: Children Don’t Need to Have Dental Appointments Before They Start School
Young children who do not attend school still need to get regular dental cleanings. Starting at age three, you should aim to get your child at least two cleanings per year. If you have an older child who sees an orthodontist, they may need to receive more regular cleanings.
You should also take your child to the dentist for the first time when they turn one year old. Your dentist can examine your child and identify any potential issues. In addition, the dentist will provide valuable parental education on oral health.
Misconception: Cavities in Your Child’s Baby Teeth Do Not Need to Be Treated
Promptly treating all cavities in your child’s teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene for your child helps prevent long-term problems and supports your child’s dental health. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and difficulties eating or speaking.
Misconception: Juice is a Great Healthy Option Instead of Soda for Kids
Juice does contain vitamins, but it is so high in natural and added sugars. This will contribute to tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting juice and encouraging children to drink water and milk instead. If juice is offered, it’s best to serve it with meals and ensure children brush their teeth afterward.
Misconception: It’s Normal for Children to Have Bad Breath
If your child has bad breath continuously, this can be a sign of infections, cavities, or even other health issues such as tonsillitis, sinus infections, or more. If the bad breath continues despite proper brushing and flossing, make an appointment with your dentist to check your child’s dental health.
Mid Cities Dental is a Family Dentist Office
Does your child need a dental check-up or specialty services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Mid Cities Dental is here to help. We offer multiple pediatric services on a flexible schedule.