Test Your Pediatric Dental IQ

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Answer True or False

Infant oral health care should begin before the baby arrives.

True. Teeth begin to form when the mother is between the third and sixth months of pregnancy. A balanced diet is essential to the development of healthy teeth and should have adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, protein and vitamins A, C and D.

Women normally lose one tooth for each pregnancy.

False. It is a myth that calcium is removed from a mother's teeth during pregnancy. Calcium is provided from the mother's diet. The primary source of calcium is dairy products. If the mother's diet is calcium deficient, the mineral would be derived from her bones, not her teeth! A balanced diet benefits both mother and child!

Children inherit soft teeth from a parent.

False. "Soft teeth" is an old wive's tale. That's good news! Just because a parent has experienced many cavities doesn't mean their child will. Families do, however, have similar dietary and oral hygiene habits which can influence tooth decay. If a parent is a frequent cola drinker, for instance, chances are the child is probably sipping on it, too. Early dental care, good oral hygiene and dietary supervision help to promote good oral health for a lifetime!

Peanuts, chocolate, and licorice are "friendly foods' to teeth.

True! Peanuts, chocolate and other cocoa products can block the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Licorice, and cheese as well, can help heal small breaks in tooth enamel where a cavity is about to form.

Children should first visit the dentist when their permanent teeth begin to erupt.

False. The ideal time for your child's first dental visit is between the appearance of the first tooth and two years of age. Our experience, and scientific studies, show that the earlier parents start caring for their children's oral health, the better. The pediatric dentist can assess the child's jaw development, risk for tooth decay, and fluoride needs. Oral hygiene instruction, diet counseling, teething and oral habit concerns are also addressed.