“There’s no need to see a dentist until age 5,” “If my child doesn’t eat sweets, everything will be fine,” and misinformed parents make many other statements daily in our office. We will only repeat some of them to avoid continuing this chain; we’re here to debunk some common myths.
Welcome to the complicated world of parenting, where people have plenty of advice but need more accurate information. Luckily, Children’s Dentistry of Abilene is here, ready to help parents navigate the world of children’s dental health.
“Baby teeth aren’t important.”
We’re still determining who started this falsehood, but we’ve heard it many times. One of the best ways to develop healthy dental habits is by starting with optimal care for baby teeth. While permanent teeth will come later, caring for baby teeth is essential.
“If my child doesn’t eat candy, they won’t have major issues.”
The concentrated sugar in candies and sodas is a leading cause of dental problems. But they aren’t the only foods that can cause issues—carbohydrates and certain acidic foods aren’t beneficial either. That’s why the most important thing is to teach your child the importance of proper dental care.
“My child already knows how to care for their mouth independently.”
While this is the goal all parents aim for, it’s essential to supervise and ensure they’re using the correct brushing technique and spending enough time on it.
One important point to remember: brushing right after eating isn’t recommended. Sometimes, when we try to instill good habits in our children, they may rush to brush their teeth immediately after finishing a meal. This isn’t advisable; the ideal is to wait an hour after eating before brushing.
If you have more questions or would like a professional to help review your child’s dental health while educating them on better practices, consult Children’s Dentistry of Abilene—experts in little smiles.
