5 Myths About Children’s Dentistry – Busted!

As a parent, it can be difficult to know what’s true about children’s dental health and what’s just a myth. Thankfully, your children’s dentist in Mesquite is here to set the record straight. To help you make the best decisions for your child’s smile, here are five common myths about children’s dentistry – busted!

Myth #1: Kids Don’t Need Fluoride Until They’re Older

Since fluorosis, a condition that causes small white spots on the teeth, is a result of fluoride overexposure in childhood, many parents think their kids should stay away from it until they’re older. Fluoride is essential to developing strong teeth, so this is definitely false. The ADA recommends that children under three years of age use fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice to avoid overexposure.

Myth #2: Crowns or Fillings for Baby Teeth Are a Waste of Money

Baby teeth will fall out eventually, but it’s essential to keep them healthy until then. Also called primary teeth, they help guide permanent ones into place and play an important part in helping children learn to eat and speak. If a primary tooth becomes damaged or decayed, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible.

Myth #3: Only Sugar Causes Cavities

When your child eats sugar, plaque and bacteria feed on it to create acids that burn through tooth enamel and cause decay. Carb-heavy foods such as crackers, bread, and cereal can also cause tooth decay, so make sure to regulate how much your child eats.

Myth #4: Juice Is a Healthier Than Water

Though many companies use misleading wording and images to make their products appear healthy, most of them are actually full of added sugar. Some 100% fruit juices even contain as much sugar as a glass of soda. Water is always the healthiest choice for your little one’s smile, and it can even help wash away sugar, food particles, and harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.

Myth #5: Kids Should Never Chew Gum

Since gum can actually be good for kids’ teeth, this is definitely not true. The act of chewing increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, which can help keep cavities at bay by keeping your little one’s mouth moist. Just make sure the gum is sugar-free gum so it doesn’t leave behind anything for bacteria to feed on.

If you’re ever unsure of the proper way to care for your little one’s teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your children’s dentist in Mesquite. They will be able to bust myths about children’s dentistry and provide guidance to help set your child up for years of smile success!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry has several locations throughout the DFW area, so convenient, quality care is always right around the corner. They offer several services for the whole family and are experts at caring for growing smiles. Whether you need a simple checkup or a complex dental procedure, Bear Creek Family Dentistry is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. For more information on how they can help your child keep their teeth happy and healthy or to schedule an appointment with their friendly team, visit their website or at their Mesquite office at (972) 331-5300.