Debunking common myths about teeth, and how to better your child’s overall health

Taking care of your oral health is essential for your long-term health and overall well-being. For a child, this care is even more crucial at these early stages of development. General dentists are in a position where they can establish a dental care program with women who are pregnant and how they can take care of their child after they’re born. During pregnancy, women are often planning what they need to prepare before the birth of their child, and establishing a dental program should be one of those ways.

If you have already given birth to your child, there are many steps and activities you can do now that will set them up for a healthy dental plan that lowers their risk for dental caries and improves their overall health. Preventative care at an early age is crucial to the development and longevity for one’s health. These are five common myths you need to know about your child’s dental health and how you can create a healthy dental home:

Myth 1: Children do not need to visit the dentist until they are in preschool.

A child should visit their dentist before age one, or at the time of their first tooth eruption. If a child visits a dentist before age one, their dental costs are 40 percent lower in the first five years than those who do not see a dentist until after their first birthday. By starting these habits when they are young, a child is more likely to care for their teeth as an adult and prevents the probability of dental caries. By establishing a relationship with their dentist when they are young, a child will see their dentist as someone they can trust throughout their life.

Myth 2: Dental caries (cavities) are not prevalent in children.

Out of all age groups, dental caries or decay is most common in young children. According to the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 28 percent of preschoolers have dental caries. Compared to other age groups, children aged two to five are the only age group that has seen an increase in dental caries. This could be due to several factors—such as exposure to cavity-causing bacteria from a parent or other caretaker, snacking too often during the day or using a bottle for long periods of time. A change in lifestyle will significantly lower your child’s risk of dental caries and improve their overall health.

Myth 3: The amount of toothpaste used doesn’t matter.

Depending on the age of your child, the amount of toothpaste or fluoride is crucial. You want to make sure to give your child enough, but too much can be just as dangerous. You should know if your local water supply is fluoridated. First of all, before your child’s teeth have erupted, it is recommended that you use a soft, damp cloth to wipe their teeth after feedings to clean them. For children whose first tooth has erupted, a smear of fluoride or toothpaste will suffice. If your child is between the ages of two and six, a pea-size of fluoride or toothpaste is the most effective to prevent caries. If you are having difficulty brushing your child’s teeth, make a fun activity out of it! Get a colorful toothbrush with their favorite character on it or give them a fun toy to play with while you brush your teeth. The more frequently you brush their teeth, the easier (and more fun!) it will be as they get older.

Myth 4: Your child’s diet and dental health are not related.

Your child’s diet and dental health could not be more related! Everything that you eat and drink makes its way through your teeth before getting into your system. It is important to limit the amount of sugars, fats and processed food you have in your child’s diet to decrease their susceptibility to dental caries. When foods high in sugar are consumed, the sugar sits on your teeth and feeds the bacteria that decays your tooth enamel, creating a cavity. Dental caries is common, but there are ways you can change your diet. By doing this, you are not only decreasing your chance of dental caries, but you are also creating a healthy life for your child.

Myth 5: Bottled water is better for your child’s teeth than tap water.

If your child is primarily drinking bottled water, consider switching it up with tap water also. Tap water may have additional minerals, like fluoride, that assist with the prevention of dental caries. Many bottled water and water filtering systems remove these minerals from your tap water, so having a variety of both in a child’s diet is most desirable. Having the extra minerals in a child’s diet will not harm them.

There are many helpful resources to assist you with your child’s dental journey. Before they are even born there are many steps you can take as a caregiver to ensure your child has a healthy mouth. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a Dental Health Services’ Member Services Specialist at 800-637-6453. We are your local, employee-owned source and we are always happy to help!

By Taylor Lunka