Dentist Dr Rimjhim Busts Myths about Infant Oral Health

When it comes to infant care, parents often receive a flood of well-meaning advice from grandparents, neighbors, and even social media. However, misinformation can do more harm than good when it comes to infant oral health. Dr Rimjhim Saran Bhatnagar best paediatric dentist in Delhi, shares the most common myths surrounding babies’ dental care. In this article, she addresses key misconceptions and offers expert-backed tips for parents to build healthy oral habits from the very beginning.

What are some of the myths related to infant oral health?

One of the leading paediatric or kids’ dentists in Delhi, Dr. Rimjhim Bhatnagar, reveals the myths associated with infant oral health.

Myth 1: Baby Teeth Don’t Matter Because They Fall Out

This is perhaps the most widespread myth. Many believe that since baby teeth are temporary, they don’t need the same care as adult teeth. Dr. Rimjhim firmly disagrees. “Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s development,” she explains. “They help in proper chewing, speech development, and maintain space for the permanent teeth.”

Neglecting baby teeth can lead to cavities, pain, and infections that may affect a child’s overall health. Worse, if a baby tooth falls out too early due to decay, the permanent tooth might not grow correctly.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding Doesn’t Cause Tooth Decay

While breastfeeding has numerous health benefits, prolonged or frequent night-time feeding without cleaning the baby’s mouth can contribute to early childhood cavities, also known as baby bottle tooth decay. Dr. Rimjhim clarifies, “Breast milk contains natural sugars. If a baby falls asleep while breastfeeding and the milk pools in the mouth, it can create an environment where bacteria thrive.”

The solution is not to stop breastfeeding but to ensure the baby’s gums and teeth are cleaned regularly, even before teeth erupt.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need to Clean Baby’s Mouth Until Teeth Appear

Many parents wait for the first tooth before starting oral care, but Dr. Rimjhim stresses that oral hygiene should start from day one. “Even before teeth erupt, it’s essential to clean the baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or soft silicone finger brush after every feeding,” she advises. This helps reduce bacterial buildup and gets the baby accustomed to oral hygiene routines early on.

Myth 4: Cavities Are Only Caused by Sweets

While sugary treats are a major culprit, they aren’t the only cause of cavities. Frequent snacking on starchy foods like biscuits, chips, and even fruit juices can lead to tooth decay.

Dr Rimjhim explains, “Anything that sticks to the teeth and stays there for a long time feeds the bacteria in the mouth, which then produce acids that damage the enamel.” Encouraging water over juice and offering tooth-friendly snacks like fruits and cheese can go a long way in protecting a child’s oral health.

Myth 5: First Dental Visit Isn’t Needed Until All Teeth Come In

This is another dangerous misconception. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Dr. Rimjhim adds, “Early visits help identify issues before they become serious and also make children comfortable with dental visits from an early age.”

How to Build Good Oral Habits from the Start?

Dr. Rimjhim believes that oral health education should be part of prenatal and postnatal care. She encourages parents to:

• Clean the baby’s gums daily, even before teeth erupt.
• Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles.
• Schedule the first dental visit by age one.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Make brushing a fun family activity.

“Good oral health is a lifelong habit, and it starts in infancy,” she says.

By debunking these common myths, Dr Rimjhim Saran Bhatnagar hopes to empower parents with the right knowledge. After all, a healthy smile begins with the very first tooth—or even before it.