Do baby teeth matter since they are going to fall out anyway? 

If you have ever wondered about this, the answer is yes they do. Baby teeth play a huge role in shaping our future smiles. They are important for the normal growth of the jaw bone and give an appropriate shape to the face. They are the placeholders for permanent teeth. So, it is extremely important to take care of baby teeth and inculcate healthy oral habits in children from an early age. New parents often get overwhelmed with advice about how to raise their children from well-meaning friends and relatives. And, at times, it can be difficult to separate the facts from the myths. This article will help you know what’s best for your kids’ teeth and make the right decisions for their oral health.

Myth: Babies don’t need their teeth brushed

Pediatric dentists recommend cleaning your infant’s teeth as soon as they arrive. Children are just as prone to dental decay and gum disease as adults. In fact, even before the baby starts teething, parents should use a wet soft cloth or a finger brush to gently clean the baby’s gum pads for removing bacteria. This will prevent their baby teeth from any kind of damage and get the children used to having their mouths cleaned.  

Myth: More fluoride the child is given, the better

Fluoride intake is necessary for healthy teeth, it protects teeth from damage and helps rebuild the enamel. And so, using toothpaste that has fluoride in it should be a good practice. But anything more than that is not necessary for kids under the age of 8. Overexposure to fluoride can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a dental condition that can discolor the teeth.

Myth: A dentist appointment can wait until permanent teeth come out

The possibility of cavities exists from the time of the first tooth erupting. Taking your kid to visit a pediatric dentist at age one is essential since the dentist can ensure the baby’s teeth and gums are healthy. The dentist can also help the parents prepare an oral health routine along with ‘Dos and Don'ts’ related to thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and diet.

Myth: Flossing baby teeth is not important

Flossing removes plaque and stops it from turning into the more harmful tartar. It is essential to form a habit of flossing your kids' teeth as soon as they are two or three years old. The kids might not be able to floss by themselves until they are 8 or 9 years old, therefore parents should consult with pediatric dentists on the right way to help their kids floss. 

Myth: Dental X-Rays aren’t safe for kids

According to the American Dental Association, dental x-rays are low-risk. FDA guidelines ask for the use of the lowest radiation dose needed. What you can do is to ask for a leaded apron or a leaded thyroid collar to cover the abdomen and thyroid. If you are still worried about the x-ray, then remember, a child with healthy dental habits is less likely to be recommended one. Have any more questions about your kids' oral health? Or are you looking for a dentist who can make your child comfortable in a dental chair? Try Bell Road Dentistry.