Establishing an oral hygiene routine should start as soon as your child develops baby teeth. Dentists for babies recommend scheduling your little one’s first visit within six months of initial tooth eruption. To ensure you practice optimal dental care for your child, here are a few baby teeth myths demystified. 

Top 4 Baby Teeth Misconceptions Exposed

1. Baby Teeth Only Need to Be Brushed Once a Day

Oral care is essential from the beginning. Parents should brush their children’s teeth twice a day using toothpaste on a finger or a soft bristle brush. Twice daily brushing will establish a healthy habit your child can continue when they’re old enough to complete the task themselves. 

2. Babies Cannot Get Cavities

As soon as teeth grow in the mouth, decay and cavities are possibilities. That’s why dentists for babies recommend routine checkups and brushing at least twice a day. Doing so will ensure your child can eat and drink without discomfort and avoid premature baby tooth loss that can negatively impact adult tooth alignment. 

3. Fluoride Toothpaste is for Adolescents Only

The American Dental Association recommends fluoride to prevent tooth decay. While a toddler may not be able to use a fluoride mouthwash, several toothpaste brands geared toward babies contain fluoride.  Use only a grain of rice size amount of toothpaste if your child cannot spit yet.   As always, monitor your child as they brush and teach them to spit out toothpaste after brushing. 

4. Thumb Sucking Has No Effect on Baby Teeth

Babies often suck their thumbs as a way to self-soothe. While the occasional practice before bedtime should not cause long-term effects, dentists for babies recommend pacifiers as opposed to sucking a thumb to reduce mouth germs. In addition, excessive or long-term thumb sucking can impact jaw alignment and tooth placement, so pay attention to this behavior and ask your pediatric dentist for recommendations to curb the practice if needed.

With three convenient locations on Oahu and Maui and over 25 years of experience, Pedodontic Associates have established a reputation throughout Hawaii as highly competent and caring dentists for babies. If your little one has developed baby teeth, this team, which includes five licensed dentists, is ready to provide top-notch service in a soothing environment. To schedule your child’s first appointment at a practice that focuses on prevention, early detection, and lifelong oral care, call (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu clinic, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. For additional insight into their specialties and what to expect from your initial visit, explore their website.