By the time they lose their first tooth, some kids think only the tooth fairy cares about those pearly whites. They have never seen a dentist and maybe they have never even brushed their teeth. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we have seen kids coming in for their first checkup way too late. It’s an all too common problem. Dental health matters for people of all ages, not just older kids and adults. In this blog, we dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding pediatric dentistry.
Because They Fall Out Baby Teeth Don’t Matter
Yes, baby teeth naturally fall out. No pediatric dentist in Springfield, MO will freak out if you tell them your child lost their first tooth, but Parkcrest Dental Group might ask why you haven’t come to visit us yet. At some point, the unhelpful rumor started that baby teeth don’t reflect permanent teeth in any way.
Baby teeth, however, act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If they fall out before they should, then permanent teeth might grow in crooked or in such a way that it causes overcrowding. Not only that, but brushing from an early age establishes lifelong good oral hygiene habits for your child.
Related Post: Dr. Stuart Scott Discusses Children Losing Baby Teeth
Kids Should Brush Their Own Teeth as Soon as They Can
Well, yes and no. A child should brush their teeth as soon as they’re able to properly brush them. Young children do not have the motor skills to brush their teeth correctly until they are able to tie their shoes.
At this point, you can teach them how to brush their own teeth, but you should still keep an eye on them. They will probably struggle to brush all the surfaces and their molars. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we tell parents to help their children brush until they are 100% certain their kids have the hang of it.
Related Post: Pediatric Dentistry Advice: When To Start Brushing Baby Teeth
Juice Is Great for Kids
We hear this too often at Parkcrest Dental Group. Some parents think that because it comes from fruit that juice is a-okay for their kids to drink all the time. Juice beats soda, but it still contains a lot of sugar. The carrier for this sugar being juice, rather than soda, makes no difference to their teeth — the damage will be the same.
The misconception that juice is totally healthy can also lead to diabetes and weight issues from a young age if your child is having too much of it. It’s best to consider limiting your child’s juice-drinking and reducing the amount. Brushing their teeth afterward so that the sugar doesn’t sit on their teeth and cause cavities is also a great preventative measure.
Related Post: General Dentistry Tips: Worst Drinks For Teeth
Stop In For Pediatric Dentistry Work At Parkcrest Dental Group!
If you’re looking for pediatric dentistry, we’re here for you. As a leading pediatric dentistry office in Springfield, MO, we have everything your child needs for a comfortable, easy visit. Don’t wait to take your child for their first dentist visit — we love taking care of the whole family! Schedule your child a visit at Parkcrest Dental Group the next time you come in for a checkup.
