Caring for your child's teeth can be a stressful task due to the numerous problems that can be encountered. Unfortunately, it can be common for new parents to be uninformed about dental health for their children, which may cause them to believe some common misconceptions. By having the following couple of dental health myths exposed, you should find yourself in a stronger position to make smart choices for your children's teeth.

Myth: Children Are Not At Risk Of Gum Disease

There are some parents that assume children's mouths are not at risk of developing gum disease. However, this is far from the case, and children may be particularly susceptible to this condition because they may not have perfect dental hygiene habits. To help protect your child from this condition, you should ensure that you are supervising their brushing and flossing as well as having their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. In the event that your child still develops gum disease, your dentist can perform a deep cleaning and prescribe a pediatric mouthwash help neutralize the bacteria that are causing the problem.

Myth: There Are No Long-Term Complications If A Baby Tooth Is Prematurely Knocked Out

Accidents can happen, and if your child accidentally has one of their baby teeth knocked out, you should be aware that it can cause some spacing complications. As time progresses, the teeth surrounding the newly formed gap will start to shift position to close it. This can cause crowding issues when your child's adult teeth start to grow into the mouth. To prevent this issue, the dentist can place a spacer in the gap. This will discreetly prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting position.

Myth: Braces Will Prevent Participation In Sports That Require Mouthguards

Braces can be a common treatment for a number of cosmetic dental issues. However, there are some parents that may assume that wearing braces will inhibit their child's ability to participate in sports that require mouthguards. Fortunately, this is far from the case as it is possible for your dentist to make a specially fitted mouthguard for your child. These mouthguards will help to protect the braces from the collisions that may happen in the sport.  

Caring for your child's dental health needs does not have to be a difficult or confusing task. By being informed about the facts that children can be at risk of developing gum disease, the importance of having spacers installed when baby teeth are knocked out and that specially designed mouthguards can be made for athletic patients that wear braces, you will be better able to ensure your child's dental health needs are met. For more information, visit sites like http://www.cresthillfamilydental.com.