Pediatric dentistry is an essential part of the healthcare system for your children. Nevertheless, this area is surrounded by several myths and beliefs, which can lead to mistrust or anxiety among parents. It is of essence to acknowledge the myth and the esteem of pediatric dentistry in preventing oral diseases among infants. Earliest dental care, individuals’ observance of good oral hygiene practices, and routine dental checkups guarantee healthy smiles for children of various ages.
Let us debunk some of these myths and separate fact from fiction:
Baby teeth are not helpful because they will fall out anyway
Accordingly, it is a dominant idea and a deep-rooted misconception or wrong perspective. Baby teeth teething is significantly vital while the child is growing. Through the intervention of the palate, the baby can say words better, bite and chew food well, and ensure permanent teeth push through. Therefore, treating baby teeth with the same vigilance as adult teeth is necessary.
Pediatric dentistry is not necessary until all permanent teeth erupt
Many believe pediatric dentistry services are only meant for children with permanent teeth. However, this is not true. Parents should start seeking the services of pediatric dentists on or after their first birthday. You must also schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist when your child experiences an eruption of their first teeth.
Regular dental checkups provide a way for the practitioner’s instant control of the child’s oral condition, give consistent instructions on the proper methods of maintaining the teeth and gums, ease identification of any possible dental issues at their very early stages, and offer a beginning of a beautiful positive relationship between the child and the dentist that can be very helpful in eliminating the dental fears in future.
Fluoride is harmful to children’s teeth
Some parents ask, “How can I be sure that fluoride influences my kid’s health or results in teeth discoloration or disfiguration?” Nevertheless, by using fluoride correctly, parents can preserve their children’s teeth and help them avoid the painful experience. Fluoride helps the tooth enamel become healthier and is more impervious against acid attacks from microscopic organisms in the oral cavity.
Pediatricians, dentists, and dentists for pediatric dentistry, as represented by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, all recommend using fluoride to prevent decay. Yet, it is necessary to stay within the correct usage of fluoride-containing dental hygiene products and to strictly supervise a child for swallowing more than the amount of children’s toothpaste.
Children do not need to see a dentist if they unless they have complaints or pain
It is not true that only children who are hurting or have oral problems need to be seen by the dentist. An annual dental examination is related to preventative care, even if a child has no complaints about the pain. Dentists at PVPD can spot soon-to-come problems such as cavities, misalignment, and gum disease. Sometimes, the symptoms of these issues would appear only when the problem is severe. Early detection guarantees timely intervention, thus disallowing the development of dental issues, and eventually, this encourages the use of conservative management procedures.
Sugary treats are the only cause of cavities in children
Sweet delicacies and their effects on tooth decay are well-known. Sugary treats undoubtedly contribute to these problems. However, they are not the only cause of decay. Roots of dental caries lie in many factors, e.g., unbalanced diet, a combination of bacterial presence in the mouth, and poor practice of oral hygiene. Even so, sugars in healthy foods such as fruits and starchy vegetables are sufficient cause of decay as they are remnants in the teeth for too long.
Besides, having sugary snacks or drinks frequently throughout the day increases the risk of cavities since the teeth are exposed to these sugars and acids, which erode the enamel. Parents must ensure their children maintain oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. Parents should also motivate their children to have a low-sugar and acid diet.
Restrictions on sugary treats and the promotion of healthy snack options in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can reduce the number of decays and maintain good oral health for children. Along with saving money in the end, dental checkups provide dentists with a platform to evaluate children’s exposure to cavities and ultimately give them personalized tips that reduce their chances of cavities.
