A Comprehensive guide on taking care of your child’s oral health.
Understanding the importance of oral hygiene and taking care of your child’s dental health can have long-lasting and far-reaching benefits.
This article aims to inform and empower you on frequently asked questions and myths about children’s dental care. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Should you have any doubts, please contact your healthcare provider.
There are several myths surrounding deciduous teeth and the care they require.
Myth – They will fall out, so you don’t need to worry about them.
Fact – Although your first teeth are developed to eventually make space (fall out) for the permanent teeth (adult teeth), they play a vital role in the development of the jaw bones and muscles, keeping space for the adult teeth, nutritional absorption, speech and general health. (link)
Myth – If a baby tooth has a cavity, it can simply be extracted (pulled). You don’t need to have it repaired.
Fact – If the baby tooth is lost early, it can create various problems in later oral health and development. This can lead to misalignment in the upper and lower jaw, crowding of the teeth as adult teeth begin to erupt (come out), and crooked teeth. (link)
Myth – I will know when my child has a cavity, as it will be painful.
Fact – In the early stages of cavities, there may be no symptoms. That is why regular dental check-ups are important. The earlier you treat a cavity, the better. Once a cavity has reached a point of nerve pain, there is a high probability that it will require more extensive dental work, infection control and be more expensive.
Myth – My child doesn’t need to see a dentist until they are in school.
Fact – It is recommended that you take your child for their first dentist visit between 6-12 months after their first tooth has erupted (come out). (Link). And, as with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Myth – My child doesn’t have teeth yet, so I don’t need to worry about oral hygiene.
Fact – Oral hygiene is important even before the first teeth have erupted. At least twice a day, after eating, you can wipe your child’s gums with a clean, warm and damp cloth or gauze. After the teeth have come out, you can use gentle circular motions to brush the tooth with an approved toothpaste. Be careful not to overbrush. (Link).
Myth – Only sugar causes cavities.
Fact – Although sugar consumption can cause cavities, there are also various other culprits, such as excessive thumb sucking, drinking from bottles, and bacteria, to name a few.
Myth – I take good care of my child’s teeth, so they don’t need to see a dentist.
Fact – Although good oral hygiene can reduce the development of cavities and improve oral health, cavities and infections can still occur. A dentist will be able to see any early signs and treat them accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question – Will I be able to be in the consultation with my child?
Answer – Absolutely! Especially with young children, it is better to have a parent or trusted caretaker with them. When you make an appointment, you can confirm with the dental practice what the procedure is.
Question – Why does my dentist want to have my child’s procedure done at a day hospital?
Answer – Dentistry can be quite scary, intimidating and uncomfortable (even to adults). When the procedure is done in a day hospital, sedation and anaesthesia can be used to make it a less stressful experience for the child. Some children may also not be capable of having the procedures done in the dental office due to factors such as anxiety, neurodivergence, pain or complexity of the procedure. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your dentist.
Questions – Aren’t day hospitals intimidating and scary for kids?
Answer – Generally speaking, no. Unlike acute hospitals, day hospitals don’t have ICUs or Emergency Rooms and create a much calmer atmosphere. The schedules in day hospitals are also more predictable with minimal delays (e.g. your procedure won’t be moved to later because an emergency case has come in).
Question – Will I be allowed to accompany my child?
Answer – Yes, you are allowed to accompany your child. Parents can be with their children in the ward, and some Anaesthesiologists will allow one parent/guardian in the feature while the child is being anaesthetised. Once the child is asleep, the parent/guardian will have to exit the theatre for health and safety reasons. To confirm what the hospital’s protocol is, please contact the hospital directly. Please keep in mind that the patient’s safety is the most important thing, and protocols/plans can be changed to ensure this remains the priority.
Question – I’ve heard about Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs), should I be worried about them?
Answer – In general, day hospitals have a significantly lower risk of HAI’s; for more information about why, click here.
Taking care of your child’s teeth is vital to ensure that they have the best chance of a happy, healthy smile and investing in their milk teeth is also an investment in their permanent teeth. Search for a dentist by clicking here.