Our Fuquay Pediatric Dentist Busts Common Myths About Kids and Teeth

Unfortunately, the conversation about dental health is awash in myths and misinformation, especially when it comes to kids. Here are some things you may have heard about children’s dental care that simply aren’t true, as unpacked by our Fuquay-Varina pediatric dentist.

Myth: It’s a waste of money to care for baby teeth, because they will just fall out.

Many parents assume that since baby teeth are not permanent, there is no need to enforce good oral hygiene, or even to take a child to the dentist. However, baby teeth can still get cavities, which cause the child pain and may require an extraction if left untreated. Undergoing an invasive dental procedure like this at a young age can cause children to develop a fear of the dentist, starting a vicious cycle of avoidance that can last into adulthood.

Myth: My child’s first dental appointment should occur when they are 4 or 5.

It may surprise you to learn that most pediatric dentists recommend scheduling a child’s first dental appointment when they are 1 year old, or when the first tooth begins to emerge, whichever comes soonest. This first visit is mainly to advise and educate parents, and check for common pediatric conditions such as bottle rot. Visiting the dentist for routine check-ups is also a good way to establish dental visits as a normal, non-scary part of life.

Myth: There’s no need to teach my child to brush when they are so young.

Even if your child is just a baby and their “brushing” technique consists of waving a toothbrush around in their mouth, it’s still good to normalize brushing as a regular, daily habit. The earlier a routine like tooth brushing is established, the easier it is to maintain later in life.

Myth: Fruit juice is a healthy way to give my child more vitamins and minerals.

Most fruit juices, even brands with a “natural” label, have a very high sugar content. This sugar can wreak havoc on your child’s delicate enamel, as bacteria on the teeth will convert it into acid. Note that kids aged 2-18 should only have 25 grams of added sugar per day, or 6 teaspoons, according to the American Heart Association. If you cannot find a low-sugar fruit juice and your child refuses to drink pure water, watering the juice down can be a good compromise.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth with Our Fuquay Varina Pediatric Dentist

If you need a dentist in Fuquay-Varina to take care of your child’s teeth, contact Fuquay Pediatric Dentistry. Our experienced dentists will provide expert advice and care for your whole family. To request an appointment, please click here!