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6 Debunked Myths About Baby Teeth You Should Stop Believing In

Baby Teeth

By Amelia GrantPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Oral health is an essential part of good well-being. It iі important to understand that the condition of permanent teeth depends on oral health in childhood. That’s why it is essential to help your children maintain proper oral care. In this article, we have gathered six debunked myths about baby teeth you should stop believing in.

1. Baby teeth don’t need treatment

One of the most common myths about teeth is that baby teeth don’t require any treatment since they will fall off soon. This conviction can affect the oral and overall health of a child significantly. It is important to understand that the untreated cavity accumulates dental plaque, food particles, and bacteria.

You should also know that advanced tooth decay can destroy baby teeth and the child can experience difficulty with eating and speaking. Additionally, cavities can reach developing permanent teeth and start to ruin them. If you have noticed that your child has cavities in the baby teeth, it is essential to visit pediatric dentistry to perform a timely treatment.

2. It is better to remove a baby tooth with a cavity

Some parents think that it is more beneficial to remove a baby tooth with a cavity instead of treating it. The reality is that when the baby tooth is removed too early, it can lead to shifted teeth and other complications like an improper bite or problems with speaking.

The baby tooth can be removed if it is damaged and can spread tooth decay to other baby teeth or permanent teeth. It is better to fill the cavity and let the tooth fall out when needed.

3. Toddlers don’t need to brush their teeth

It may be a quite challenging task to teach children to brush their teeth. That’s why many parents don’t even try to help their children maintain proper oral hygiene. It is important to understand that poor oral care can lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

When the first baby teeth erupt, you should clean them with a wet cloth. Oral hygiene should be performed in the morning and in the evening after the last meal to avoid plaque. When the child would be able to brush their teeth on their own, you should monitor this process.

4. Toothpaste for children and adults are similar

It is essential to choose a special toothpaste for your child since the regular toothpaste can do more harm than good. The reality is that toothpaste for adults can contain abrasive particles that can easily scratch the children’s enamel.

Additionally, toothpaste for children has a pleasant taste and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can affect the digestive system of a child in case of swallowing. If you don’t know for sure what toothpaste exactly suits your child, you can consult your pediatric dentist. A dentist can recommend a toothpaste that will meet all the requirements.

5. Any dentist can treat baby teeth

Even though a dentist for adults can treat the child’s teeth in case of an emergency, it is better to visit a pediatric dentist for treatment. Firstly, a pediatric dentist can easily earn the child’s trust. Secondly, the tools in the dentist’s office are designed specifically for children.

It is important to understand that the treatment of the child’s teeth may require anesthesia. Such a procedure should be performed only under a control of a pediatric dentist.

6. You should take your child to the dentist in case of a toothache

Even though a toothache in a child may require immediate medical attention, regular dental check-ups are essential for good oral health. For example, tooth decay can start to develop asymptomatically and cause no significant discomfort until it destroys the entire tooth.

You should also know that only a dentist can notice the early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. When the cavity occurs, it can be almost invisible but the inner layers of the tooth may be destroyed completely.

The bottom line

Even though many myths and misconceptions about baby teeth are outdated, some of them are still popular among parents. It is essential to understand that proper oral care, regular dental check-ups, and timely treatment can prevent the development of serious oral issues in the future.

If your child has a toothache, you should make an appointment with the pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, tooth decay can spread further and damage permanent teeth. You should also make sure that your children brush their teeth properly.

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About the Creator

Amelia Grant

I am journalist, and blogger.

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