Myths About Children's Teeth

Myths about children's teeth are still widely spread among parents. Many of them believe that baby teeth do not decay, that dental hygiene is not necessary for them, or that tooth decay is determined purely by genetics. However, the reality is different — up to 60 percent of preschoolers do not visit the dentist regularly, almost 20 percent of children do not brush their teeth before bed, and most children have never visited dental hygiene. Bad habits acquired in childhood are then typically carried by children throughout their lives.

Do cavities in baby teeth matter?

One of the biggest myths is that cavities in baby teeth do not need to be treated because they will fall out anyway. According to data from the World Health Organization, dental cavities affect up to half of Czech children under nine years of age. If decay occurs in a child's tooth, the cavity can be just as painfully unpleasant for the child as it is for permanent teeth. Untreated cavities also threaten the germ of the permanent tooth and can lead to more serious complications.

Is brushing technique not important?

Brushing teeth with a toothbrush is absolutely fundamental in caring for children's teeth. Mechanical cleaning of the tooth with a toothbrush is irreplaceable. Due to the harder bristles of electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes are recommended for children — however, it is up to parents to guide the child while brushing and to clean the teeth thoroughly. We teach the smallest children to brush their teeth with gentle strokes from the gum toward the edge of the tooth, and we must not forget the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and the surfaces on the side of the tongue. Once two adjacent teeth have erupted, it is advisable to also start using interdental brushes or dental floss to clean the interdental spaces. Mouth rinses for children, on the other hand, do not have much effect and it is necessary to avoid rinses containing alcohol.

Is tooth decay hereditary?

Many parents come to dental offices convinced that their child has a genetic predisposition to tooth decay. However, heredity has virtually no effect on the development of dental cavities. It relates mainly to developmental defects that can, in exceptional cases, lead to greater susceptibility of the teeth. The main causes of childhood dental cavities include nighttime breastfeeding, a diet rich in sugars, continuous consumption of sweetened beverages throughout the day, and inadequate tooth brushing.