As parents, we all know how important it is to look after our teeth — and helping your child build good dental habits early is one of the best gifts you can give them. But when it comes to kids’ teeth, a few persistent myths can lead well-meaning parents astray. Here are four of the most common myths about dental care for kids, and what’s actually true.
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Dental Care for Kids
Myth #1: Fluoride is Harmful
Fluoride has been shown time and again to help protect against tooth decay, which is why it’s included in pretty much every toothpaste worth its salt. Even so, some parents worry that fluoride could be harmful to their child.
This is exactly why children have their own toothpaste formulations. Adult toothpaste contains a stronger concentration of fluoride than is suitable for young children, who are also more likely to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out. Stick to children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste until your child is old enough to reliably spit rather than swallow — usually somewhere in the primary school years, moving up to adult-strength toothpaste as they approach their teens.
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Myth #2: Don’t Worry About Baby Teeth Decay
Because baby teeth eventually fall out, it’s a common assumption that it doesn’t matter much if they decay. But baby teeth can stay in place until a child is almost a teenager, so they genuinely need proper care in the meantime.
There’s also a bigger-picture benefit: it’s far easier to build good brushing habits with younger children, and once those habits are set, kids tend to carry them on without even thinking about it.
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Myth #3: Fruit Juice is a Good Drink for Kids
Fruit juice might seem like a healthy choice — after all, we’re always told to eat plenty of fruit. But juice isn’t doing your child’s teeth any favours.
It often contains more sugar than you’d expect, and regular intake raises the risk of tooth decay. To put it in perspective, a typical serving of fruit juice can contain around seven teaspoons of sugar — similar to a can of soda. Sticking with water at mealtimes is the safer choice for little teeth. If your child does have juice or another sugary drink, try to get them to brush (or at least rinse with water) afterwards to help limit the impact.
Myth #4: Wait Until Your Child Starts School Before Their First Dentist Visit
Good oral health is really about habits, and the earlier your child gets comfortable with looking after their teeth, the better it will serve them long-term.
Taking your child to the dentist while they’re still very young — well before school age — helps them get used to the experience, and many young children actually enjoy the visit. Regular check-ups with your family dentist also mean any issues can be caught and dealt with early, which helps prevent bigger problems down the line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start brushing with fluoride toothpaste?
Most children can start using a small, age-appropriate amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first teeth appear. A parent or carer should supervise brushing until the child is reliably able to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it.
Do baby teeth really need fillings if they’re going to fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth can remain in place for many years and play an important role in speech, chewing and guiding adult teeth into position. Decay left untreated can also cause pain and affect the emerging adult teeth underneath.
Is fruit juice ever okay for kids?
An occasional small serving alongside a meal is generally considered less harmful than sipping juice throughout the day. Water remains the best everyday drink for protecting your child’s teeth.
When should my child have their first dental check-up?
Many dentists recommend an early first visit, well before school age, so your child becomes comfortable with the experience and any issues can be spotted early. Speak to your family dentist about the right timing for your child.
Related Articles
- 7 Tooth Fairy Ideas Guaranteed to Sprinkle a Little Magic
- 5 Top Tips for Losing Baby Teeth
- 5 Practical Tips for a Successful First Visit to the Dentist
Before You Go
Enjoyed this? Browse more family health and parenting tips on MyKidsTime, and save this article to come back to next time you’re building healthy habits with your kids.
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