“Oral Health, Overall Health”

Common Misconceptions About Oral Health,

Have You Encountered Them?

May everyone develop good dental care habits,

and have beautiful, healthy teeth.

Some parents believe that since children are young, their teeth are not fully developed, and their diet is not complex, they don’t need to brush their teeth. This is incorrect. Bacteria in our mouths are always present. If teeth are not brushed promptly, bacteria colonizing the tooth surface will break down food and produce acidic substances. Over time, this can easily lead to tooth decay.

Starting from when a child’s first baby tooth emerges, parents can begin brushing their child’s teeth. During infancy, parents can use gauze to help clean their child’s teeth. When children are learning to use brushing tools, parents can teach them how to brush by demonstrating in front of a mirror. After children learn to use a toothbrush, they should develop the good habit of brushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time.

It’s true that the more sugar children eat, the higher their risk of tooth decay. However, bacteria in the mouth not only break down sugar to produce acid but also break down starchy substances in food to produce acid. Therefore, even if children don’t eat sugar, they can still develop cavities.

Children need to learn how to consume sugar scientifically. From the perspective of preventing tooth decay, children should pay attention to “the frequency of sugar consumption” and “the form of sugar,” not just “how much sugar they eat in a day.” Research shows that as the frequency of sugar intake increases, the risk of tooth decay also increases. In simple terms, the same amount of sugar consumed multiple times exposes teeth to an acidic environment continuously, increasing the risk of decay. Therefore, it is recommended that children reduce the frequency of sugar consumption and avoid frequent snacking between meals. Be cautious of liquid sugars, such as beverages and juices, which quickly spread throughout the mouth and can lead to excessive intake. Avoid sticky candies like toffee, which prolong the time sugar adheres to the teeth and are difficult to clean. Rinse the mouth promptly after eating sweets.

It is recommended to limit daily added sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake. If it can be further reduced to less than 5%, approximately 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of white sugar—equivalent to a few cookies or a small piece of cake—it would be even more beneficial for health.

As long as we control the frequency and total amount of sugar consumption and enhance protection, we can enjoy the deliciousness of sugar while also taking care of our teeth.

Some parents believe that since baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, there is no need to treat decayed baby teeth. This is incorrect. If a child’s baby teeth develop cavities, parents must seek treatment promptly. Aesthetically pleasing and healthy teeth are crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Specifically, cavities in baby teeth have the following impacts:

First, they affect chewing function. If cavities in baby teeth are not addressed promptly, they will continue to worsen. For example, tooth damage can reduce chewing efficiency. When decay progresses further and affects the dental nerve, the child may experience gum swelling and pain.

Second, they affect permanent teeth. When decay reaches the dental nerve, the nerve becomes inflamed and may eventually die, leading to inflammation of the bone around the tooth root. This can impact the developing permanent teeth, causing structural defects of varying degrees—mild cases may show spot-like defects with color changes, moderate cases may exhibit band-like defects, and severe cases may result in poor overall tooth structure, appearing honeycombed or mulberry-like. Additionally, it can cause abnormal eruption of the successor permanent teeth and disrupt the establishment of a proper bite.

Third, they affect appearance, social interactions, and psychology. Cavities can cause teeth to become discolored—black or yellow—and result in morphological defects. When a child’s teeth look different from others’, they may become hesitant to smile. If teased, they may feel自卑 and unwilling to socialize, which is detrimental to their mental health and social development.

Most people feel fearful at the thought of visiting the dentist—the sound of the drill and the sensation of pain can cause tension and fear. However, thinking that there’s no need to see a dentist if the teeth don’t hurt is incorrect.

Many oral diseases show no symptoms in their early stages. For example, during the early and moderate stages of tooth decay, children may not feel any abnormalities. When decay becomes deep or affects the dental nerve, the child will experience pain. By then, treatment may no longer be as