Five myths of toddler teeth busted

Many stories surround the teeth of toddlers. We asked the experts to debunk some common myths about children’s teeth.

Myth: I don’t need to brush “baby” teeth because they’re going to fall out anyway.

Fact: As soon as they appear, parents should start brushing their child’s teeth, says Dr. Gerald Kaplan, a prosthodontist based in Johannesburg. By wiping them with a gauze swab or damp facial cloth, teeth can be cleaned in the early stages. On the market, different wipes can be used. Your child can then begin using a toothbrush as more teeth appear. Dirna Grobbelaar, oral hygiene advisor and mom of five-year-old twin boys and a baby daughter, adds: Look for a brush with soft bristles, a small head, and, ideally, soft rubber around the edges so that it is gentle on the gums and palate. From a young age, you could even begin using an electric or sonic toothbrush. “Since they were two, my twins have been using an electric brush,” says Dirna. “These have been clinically proven to be more effective than a manual brush at removing plaque. Plus, they are designed to make it fun and easy to brush.”

Good to know

• Some brushes have an in-timer built in, which encourages your child to brush all four quadrants of the mouth each time they brush for the full two minutes.
• Try different types of toothpastes for children and let your child choose one that he prefers.
• Purchase a fun electric brush that plays musical chimes and has interchangeable covers, like Philips Sonicare For Kids.
• Turn brushing with your child into quality time, singing songs, playing games, or using rewards.
• To encourage proper brushing, there are some great apps available that have been designed.

Myth: My child is not at risk of tooth decay.

Fact: According to Dirna, the most common oral health issue for children is cavities. More than 60 percent of South African children have cavities at around six years of age. Cavities are caused by plaque bacteria, which thrive in an acidic setting. Eating sugary foods and drinks, such as fruit juice, makes these bad bacteria more acidic inside the mouth, feeding them, which then eats away at the tooth’s enamel, causing decay.  

Myth: until she gets her adult teeth, I don’t need to worry about my child sucking her thumb or a dummy.

Fact: The long-term use of a pacifier or bottle, as well as the sucking of the thumb, can cause crooked teeth, Dirna says. Don’t let your child suck as she sleeps on a dummy or bottle; rather, remove it once she is calm or asleep. Ideally, before the age of four, kids should stop sucking dummies, bottles, or thumbs. This will protect the teeth and ensure that they grow straight.  

Myth: It’s OK to let a bottle of milk or juice make my child fall asleep.

Fact: Bottle-feeding decay is a common problem in the upper front teeth. It will show on the teeth as darker areas, mostly in between the upper front teeth and near the gum line. This is often caused over a long period of time by a little one consuming too many sugary and acidic drinks. “While drinking a bottle, it’s important not to let your child fall asleep (unless it contains water or Rooibos tea without sugar or milk),” says Dirna. Instead, remove the bottle before bed and brush your teeth gently. Rooibos tea can cause staining on the outside of the tooth, but an oral hygienist can polish it off. For children’s teeth, fruit juice can be bad as it contains natural sugars and is acidic. Limit juice to an occasional treat and always dilute water with juice.  

Myth: Until she gets all her adult teeth, I don’t need to take my child to the dentist.

Fact: The first visit to the dentist should be around the age of two, at which time the experience of a fun ride up and down on the dental chair is all that is needed, explains Dr Kaplan. Parents should remain calm and avoid showing any fear of the dentist, as this will influence the child’s experience, he adds. For kids, regular dental visits should become routine and fun. As you ideally want to build a trusting relationship with the dentist and oral hygienist, the earlier you start taking your child, the better.