Common Myths About Caring for Children's Teeth

Myth #1: Candy is the chief cause of cavities. Candy is filled with sugars, and sugars are a prime cavity instigator. Yet, other foods such as potato chips, crackers, raisins, apples are high in sugars or carbohydrates that break down into sugars. Sugars enable bacteria to produce harmful acids that can lead to the formation of cavities.

Myth #2: Chewing gum is bad for your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum can increase the flow of saliva, washing away food particles. Cleansing the mouth prevents food from breaking down into sugars.

Myth #3: Care of primary, or "baby" teeth, is less important than care of permanent teeth. Primary teeth are important for allowing the child's face and oral cavity to grow to potential. Premature loss of baby teeth due to disease can lead to severe orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry problems in later life.

Myth #4: Fluoride is unnecessary until a child gets the first tooth. Babies have two sets of teeth , primary and permanent, developing under their gums. Adequate levels of fluoride throughout a child's life will result in teeth that form better and resist decay to a greater extent.

Myth #5: Putting a baby to bed with milk in a bottle builds strong bones and healthy teeth. Milk does build strong bones and healthy teeth, but not at bedtime. Juices and milk contain sugar that can turn to bacteria and acid forming in the mouth to produce decay. To avoid "baby bottle tooth decay", put a child to bed with a bottle filled with water only.

Myth #6: Brushing your teeth after meals will prevent cavities. Brush alone will not prevent cavities. A regimen of good dental hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups will help in preventing decay.

Myth #7: A lot of toothpaste must be better than a little. Children should brush twice a day and use only a pea-sized amount or less of toothpaste. Excessive toothpaste containing fluoride can cause fluorosis, a condition that can lead to brown discoloration or severe defects in the enamel of the tooth.

Myth #8: More in foods means more cavities. The amount of sugar in food doesn't matter as any amount of sugar, no matter how small, can cause bacteria and tooth decay.

Myth #9: Children should avoid sticky treats like caramel and licorice. Sticky treats in fact can clear the mouth faster and are less likely to cause cavities than some snacks like raisins and fruit jelly snacks, which are perceived to be healthful treats.

What to do: schedule regular checkups with your dentist, assist and supervise your child's brushing and flossing, monitor your child's diet, and drink water regularly to rinse bacteria and food from your mouth.