08/24/2026
5 dental myths I hear ALL the time as a pediatric dentist 🦷👀
1. “They’re just baby teeth—they don’t matter.”
They absolutely do! Baby teeth help with chewing, speech, development, and hold space for permanent teeth.
2. “Thumb sucking isn’t a big deal.”
It can be! When the habit continues long-term, it may affect jaw development and how the teeth come in.
3. “Milk or juice before bed is fine.”
At bedtime, stick with water. Milk and juice contain sugars that can increase the risk of cavities when they sit on the teeth overnight. If your child does still require milk at bedtime, however, just be sure to always brush after!
4. “If it doesn’t hurt, there’s no problem.”
Cavities can develop without any pain or obvious symptoms. By the time a tooth hurts, the problem may already be more advanced.
5. “Electric toothbrushes are too much for kids.”
Not always! Electric toothbrushes can be highly effective for removing plaque—and many kids actually prefer them. 🙌 Just be sure the head size is appropriately sized for your child’s smile.
There’s no shortage of dental advice online, but not everything you see is accurate. When it comes to your child’s smile, trust the professionals. 💚🦷
