1. My Child Refuses to Drink Plain Water, Natural Juices Are Healthy Too!
The beverage will likely contain sugar if your child drinks anything other than water. If you are unaware of sugar’s harmful effects, it feeds the cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths. Limiting your child’s juice consumption to one cup a day is best. Also, if they are drinking juice, it is best to do so during a meal. Water is healthy for your child’s teeth and body.
2. Fluoride is Not Safe to Swallow and Can Harm My Child
Fluoride has been researched over the years. According to scientific evidence, fluoride is safe and effective when consumed properly. Fluoride is a mineral proven to be one of the most effective methods to prevent tooth decay.
3. Bottled Water is Just as Good for Their Teeth as Tap Water
If your child continuously drinks bottled water, they miss out on a critical ingredient (fluoride). It has been proven that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. If you want your child to benefit from fluoride, consider asking them to drink tap water instead.
4. My Child Does Not Need to Floss Their Baby Teeth
If your child’s baby teeth touch, cavities can form between them. Flossing in between their teeth can help prevent cavity formation. Plus, the earlier your child begins flossing, the more comfortable they will feel carrying out this task.
5. Baby Teeth Do Not Matter
Their baby teeth will fall out soon. They are not important, right? Wrong.
Sure, the tooth fairy will eventually see all twenty of your child’s primary (baby) teeth, but they serve a purpose. Baby teeth are natural space maintainers; this means they reserve space in the mouth for the permanent (adult) teeth to erupt. Early tooth loss of a baby tooth can result in crowding. Not only that, the health of your child’s baby teeth could impact the health of their adult teeth. Decayed baby teeth that are left unaddressed could result in pain, abscess, and swelling and cause an infection that may even spread to other parts of your child’s body. It is important to facilitate good oral health for your child. Oral habits develop early on and can continue throughout their lives. Promote your child to take good care of their teeth from a young age.
6. My Child’s Soft Teeth Are to Blame for Their Cavities
The term “soft teeth” is inaccurate, as one cannot have soft teeth. In actuality, the enamel– the teeth’ outer surface- is the hardest substance in our body. Dental decay results from many different factors; however, the two most common are bacteria and a diet for the bacteria (sugar).
7. My Child Can Brush Their Own Teeth
It might seem that your child can brush their teeth independently, but they most likely are not targeting all those “hard to reach” areas. Children do not have the manual dexterity to brush their teeth alone until they can write in cursive handwriting. It would help if you allowed your child to brush their teeth and follow up for a more thorough clean.
8. My Child Does Not Need to Visit the Dentist Until They Start School
Establishing a dental home for your child is beneficial, according to our dentist near you:
- It is essential that your child’s teeth and mouth are evaluated by our dentist in Edmonton.
- It is also vital for your child to develop a relationship with the dentist to help reduce fears of going to the dentist.
- Children’s dentistry near you will provide individualized treatment planning.
You will also have our dentist to contact if a dental emergency arises.
Remember to schedule biannual dental check-ups at our dental clinic in Edmonton. Our childrens dentist in Edmonton can help your child maintain optimal oral hygiene and health.