There are plenty of misconceptions around children’s dental care — and to help their children develop healthy adult teeth, parents must constantly discern fact from fiction.
As you focus on your child’s overall health, it’s easy for dental concerns to take a backseat. Many parents assume that because baby teeth are temporary, they don’t need much care. But healthy dental habits in childhood lay the foundation for strong, cavity-free adult teeth.
To help clear up the confusion, we’ve rounded up some of the most common myths about children’s dental care — and what you should know instead.
Myth #1: Baby teeth don’t need to be brushed often.
Truth: Baby teeth may be temporary, but they still need daily care. Their enamel is thinner than adult teeth, making them more prone to cavities and decay. If left untreated, early decay in baby teeth can lead to problems with the growth and alignment of permanent teeth.
Baby teeth should be brushed twice a day — morning and night. For infants, you can use a clean finger or a soft cloth with a tiny bit of toothpaste until they’re ready for a toothbrush.
Myth #2: Teeth don’t need to be cleaned during teething.
Truth: Even if your child is just starting to teethe, it’s important to begin gentle oral care. Cleaning those early-emerging teeth helps support healthy development and reduces the risk of decay.
Use a cool, damp washcloth to gently wipe the gums and new teeth—especially before bed.
Myth #3: Kids should brush their own teeth as soon as they are able.
Truth: It’s great to encourage independence, but most young children don’t have the coordination or consistency to brush effectively on their own.
Supervise brushing until at least age 6 or 7, and help out when necessary—especially in hard-to-reach areas like the molars.
Myth #4: Pacifiers will damage children’s teeth.
Truth: Pacifiers and thumb-sucking aren’t harmful in the short term. But if these habits persist for too long, they can start to affect your child’s bite and jaw development.
Try to wean off pacifiers by age 2 to prevent long-term issues with alignment or tooth position.
Myth #5: Kids don’t need to visit the dentist until they start school.
Truth: The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Early visits help monitor development, prevent decay, and get your child comfortable with dental care.
Kids should see the dentist twice a year starting at age one, just like adults!
Dental Tips for New Parents
Taking your infant to the dentist might seem daunting, but it’s worth it! Early dental care helps ensure strong, healthy teeth later in life—and reduces the chance of future dental anxiety.
At Espire Dental, we provide a welcoming, child-friendly environment that helps kids (and parents!) feel at ease. We’re here to support your child’s dental health at every stage.
Request an appointment at Espire Dental today—because healthy smiles start early.
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