From the time you were a child, you were taught to care for your teeth with brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist. But some myths around dental care persist. Do baby teeth matter? What does your bad breath mean? La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry in Wisconsin has the answers.

Dental Care Myths

Baby Teeth Aren't Important

Primary teeth, or baby teeth, last only a few years before falling out to make way for their permanent replacements, so it might seem like it's not important to take care of them. However, they serve a vital purpose. Baby teeth help your child's jaw grow into the correct shape and size for their adult teeth — a function that is disrupted if these teeth are lost early.

Bad Breath Is Just an Annoyance

If your child’s bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, it can indicate several different kinds of health problems, some more serious than others. They include dry mouth, gum disease, infections, and ear, nose, and throat conditions not related to your child’s teeth. If your kid has bad breath that won’t go away, schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist.

Sugar Causes Tooth Decay

This myth is only partly true. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which secrete acid as they grow and multiply. It's the acid that damages your teeth — not the sugar itself. That’s why, in addition to sugar, you should avoid giving your child too many acidic foods and drinks like citrus, tomatoes, and soda.

You Only Need to Go to the Dentist When Something Is Wrong

Your child’s teeth need regular dental care, both to keep them healthy and catch problems in their earliest stages. By the time you can see a cavity or your child can feel it, it has already caused damage that will be more difficult and costly to repair than if it had been caught early.

Tooth Decay Only Affects Your Mouth

When your child’s teeth are sore from decay, they’re not able to eat crunchy foods, such as the fruits and vegetables they need for proper nutrition. If teeth need to be pulled, it affects your child’s ability to speak clearly, which can have social consequences. Taking care of their teeth helps every aspect of their life and health.

If you have questions about your child's dental care, La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry is happy to answer. Call them at (608) 782-4054 to schedule your kid’s next dental visit, and learn more about the practice online or visit them on facebook.