Just Like Unicorns: 4 Common Myths About Kids’ Teeth & Dental Hygiene

Thinking your toddler is too young to use a toothbrush is almost like believing unicorns are real. Both are MYTHS, so don’t buy into everything you hear (children can actually start having their teeth brushed when their first few teeth have surfaced)!

Just because our babies are… well, babies… doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a healthy set of teeth as well as a pearly white smile. This means they should be brushing their chompers daily and should even be visiting a pediatric dentist regularly.

Here are 3 other common myths about kids’ teeth and overall dental hygiene debunked:

1. TRUTH OR MYTH: What children drink throughout the day has NO impact on their dental health.
Myth. People of all ages who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more fillings, tooth decay and tooth loss than others!

Try making healthier choices at home (and for school) by stowing away the sugary sports drinks or pop and picking up some hydrating H2O instead.

If you’re little ones aren’t really a fan of plain water, add a squeeze of fresh lime or some sliced cucumbers for some sugar-free, zero-calorie zing!

2. TRUTH OR MYTH: Brushing teeth is an activity most children dread because it isn’t a fun activity.
Myth. Depending on how you spin it, brushing your teeth can actually become something your tiny humans look forward to twice a day. Take them with you to the store to pick out their very own toothbrush, and help them choose a fun-flavored, fluoride-free toothpaste as well.

When it comes time to brush and floss each day, put on your child’s favorite song/video to dance to while doing his/her daily dental routine.

Before he or she knows it, brushing and flossing will be over, and it will be time for the next fun activity to take part in at home!

3. TRUTH OR MYTH: Kids typically don’t develop tooth decay at a young age.
Myth. This may be hard to swallow, but ONE in every SEVEN children have recently been

classified as having extensive or severe tooth decay and According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, more than 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5 (yikes!).

This dental condition, which is entirely preventable by the way, can cause unnecessary trauma to our children if they have to undergo fillings or extractions.

Implementing an easy-to-do oral health routine early on will help to develop optimistic attitudes toward dental health, as well as help prevent tooth decay and the not-so-fun consequences that may accompany those cavities!


Need to schedule YOUR child for first-time visit or routine cleaning with a pediatric dentist in your area? Contact Smiles-R-Us for Kids TODAY to make your appointment: (770) 214-5555 or visit us online at SmilesRUsForKids.net for additional dental health information.

Here’s to a brighter, healthier smile at any age!
--Your Smiles R Us for Kids Pediatric Dentistry Team

  

Sources:
https://www.dentalhealth.org
http://www.colgate.com/
http://www.dentalassociates.com/
http://www.childrensdentalvillage.net/