As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Common Misconceptions About Kids and Dentists
Mabel Hicks
A child's dental health is probably just as important as any other part of their health, as poor oral health for a child might mean an increased risk of cavities, oral infections, trouble eating, and the like. While only a dentist can answer specific questions you might have about your own child, note a few common misconceptions many parents have about taking their child to the dentist and about a child's oral health overall.
Baby teeth
You might assume that there is no reason to take a child to a kids' dentist until after they lose all their baby teeth. This isn't typically true, as a dental visit for a child means an examination of more than just their teeth. For example, a dentist will check a child's mouth for signs of poor oral hygiene, which can be important to correct before those adult teeth develop. In many cases, a dental exam also means examining the tongue, tonsils, and other such areas of the mouth and throat. This can be important for a child of any age in order to note developing infections and other conditions and to ensure that child's overall oral health.
Toothpaste and children
Some parents mistakenly think that toothpaste is dangerous for a young child, since a child may be at risk of swallowing the paste rather than spitting it out. Again, your dentist is the best source of information as to when a child should start using toothpaste and how much to use, but consider that the very small amount of paste used for a child's teeth is probably not going to be harmful even if it's swallowed. Toothpaste can more readily clean all areas of teeth, and it tastes good to a child, so he or she will be more willing to brush. Ask your dentist about when to start using toothpaste for your child and how much, rather than assuming that none should be used.
Pacifiers and thumb sucking
Many parents believe that giving a child a pacifier or allowing them to suck their thumb will mean that their teeth will become crooked and uneven. This isn't typically true, unless the child continues to use that pacifier or suck their thumb for many years after their teeth develop. However, this is also why it's good to take your child to a paediatric dentist even when they're very young, so their teeth and jaw can be examined and your dentist can then note if it's recommended that you wean your child away from the pacifier or their thumb.
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