Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition

MYTH	TRUTH
Dental care is not safe during pregnacy.	Most dental care is safe during all trimesters of pregnancy. Check with your doctor and your dentist when you schedule an appointment.
Tooth loss in adults is a normal part of aging.	Tooth loss in adults is not normal and is typically caused by a preventable disease.
Almost all oral disease including cavities and gum disease are preventable.	True, cavities and gum disease are preventable.
Baby teeth are not important, so it is ok if they get cavities or must be pulled.	Baby teeth are important. They assist with speech development, eating, a child’s self-esteem, and save space for adult teeth.
How much toothpaste is appropriate for a child who cannot spit?	Toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is recommended for a child who cannot spit.
How much toothpaste is appropriate for a child who can spit?	Toothpaste the size of a pea is appropriate for a child who can spit.
How much toothpaste is appropriate for an adult?	Toothpaste the size of a pea is appropriate for an adult.
Taking a child to see the dentist before their first birthday is not important.	The American Dental Association recommends that a child be seen before the age of one or when their first tooth erupts.
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is natural.	Gum disease is not normal, is preventable and is caused by bacterial in the mouth that can be removed with a toothbrush and interdental cleaners like dental floss or toothpicks.
It is normal for gums to bleed when you brush or floss.	Bleeding gums are not normal and could be a sign of gum disease.
It is ok to brush your teeth once a day.	False, the American Dental Association recommend that you brush at least twice a day for two minutes.
It is normal for children to have brown spots on their teeth.	False, children’s teeth should be a creamy white color. White lines and dark spots are a sign of cavities. A child with white lines or dark spots should see an oral health professional right away.
It is ok to give a child a sippy cup with watered down juice.	Juice, even if it is watered down, causes cavities. It is recommended that juice is only given to children with their meals.
Energy drinks are a good substitute for soda because they don’t cause cavities.	Many energy drinks have more sugar then soda. Parents should read the labels to make sure any beverage that a child drinks does not contain sugar or carbohydrates.

Oral Health Posters & Brochures
Click on the posters below created by NAU dental hygeine students to learn more about oral health: