For parents, one of the most important aspects of protecting your children and their health is knowing that you can trust your provider. You want a dentist that will provide quality care and prioritize your child’s general well-being and comfort. It’s no secret that many children dislike going to the dentist and it can be hard to know how to help your child overcome these fears.
At Austin Dental, we believe it’s our job to help you ease your child’s anxieties. We provide dental care for kids of all ages. As a parent, it can be hard to keep up with so much false information floating around.
Here are 5 of the most common myths about children’s dental health.
Myth 1: Cavities in baby teeth are no big deal
Since baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, some people think cavities don’t need to be treated. In reality, cavities in baby teeth can be extremely painful and can cause them to fall out before they’re ready. This often leads to jaw pain, misaligned smiles, and more.
Here are a few habits that will help your child prevent cavities:
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of veggies and limiting acidic foods
- Practicing good daily dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing
- Getting regular dental exams and cleanings
Most kids lead active lives, whether they’re in sports or just playing outside. These activities can cause their baby teeth to become loose or get knocked out. When this happens, it’s a good idea to take them to a dentist as soon as possible so that their dental health can be assessed.
Myth 2: Everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed during their teen years
Because of the many issues that can arise from wisdom teeth, teenagers are often encouraged to have them removed before they cause problems, especially since teens have a much easier time recovering than adults.
In many cases, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to disease and decay. They can also cause overcrowding, which can lead to pain and misalignment. However, removal isn’t necessary for everyone and treatment depends on the individual. In fact, about 20% of people never have wisdom teeth at all.
During the teen years, it’s a good idea to monitor wisdom teeth to determine if they will impact your child’s health.
Myth 3: Kids don’t need to see a dentist until they grow their adult teeth
Parents are often surprised to learn just how early their children need to see a dentist. In fact, we recommend scheduling their first appointment once your child is around two years of age, or once they have all or most of their baby teeth. It allows us to assess their dental health and catch early signs of decay and misalignment.
It also helps to introduce them to the importance of oral health and reduces their chances of developing dental anxiety in adulthood.
Myth 4: Kids with food allergies can’t get their teeth cleaned
For parents of children with allergies, concerns about cross contamination and other potential dangers often prevent them from getting their teeth cleaned. But everyone should see a dentist, even if they have allergies. Before their appointment, call ahead and let us know about any food allergies your child has and the type and level of reaction so that we can keep your child safe.
We can offer you a list of products and manufacturers so that you can check for allergens and other risks. We can also use toothpaste from your home to polish your child’s teeth!
Myth 5: It’s inevitable for kids to dislike the dentist
We’re taught from an early age that all kids hate going to the dentist. But this shouldn’t have to be the case!
While it’s common for kids to have anxiety or concerns about visiting the dentist, avoiding checkups and cleanings in their early years can lead to long-lasting dental problems and increase anxiety as they get older.
With the right provider, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with dental care. Austin Dental has made it a priority to create a compassionate and friendly environment for patients of all ages.
Call Austin Dental to schedule your appointment!
If you have a child who experiences dental anxiety, or your child’s first tooth is coming in and you don’t know where to start, Austin Dental is here to help! We provide comprehensive ongoing and emergency dental care. We believe that every member of the family deserves a dentist that they can trust.
Call us at (512) 835-1924 or schedule your appointment online today!