Most parents don't have questions about their child's teeth until something unexpected happens.
A second row of teeth appears.
An orthodontist recommends an evaluation at age seven.
Permanent teeth come in looking yellow.
Or someone mentions fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or silver diamine fluoride, and suddenly a simple dental visit feels overwhelming.
After more than 30 years serving Valley families, Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has heard just about every question imaginable. Family founded and now one of Arizona's most trusted pediatric dental and orthodontic practices, the APDO team believes informed parents make the best decisions for their children.
We asked Dr. Danielle Goldstein and the APDO dental team to separate fact from fiction and share what she wishes every family knew.
MYTH: Baby teeth don't matter because they're going to fall out anyway.
FACT: Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, hold space for permanent teeth, support facial development, and build confidence. Most children don't lose their last baby tooth until around age 12.
MYTH: My child doesn't need a dentist until preschool.
FACT: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. That visit is less about cleaning teeth and more about educating parents on nutrition, home care, prevention, and healthy habits.
MYTH: Every child should use the same toothpaste.
FACT: Pediatric dentistry is increasingly individualized. The APDO team evaluates cavity risk, nutrition, medical history, and family preferences before discussing options such as fluoride or fluoride alternatives like hydroxyapatite.
MYTH: Halloween candy causes the most cavities.
FACT: Frequent snacking is often the bigger culprit. Goldfish crackers, chips, fruit snacks, crackers, and constant grazing expose teeth to sugars and starches throughout the day, creating an environment where cavities thrive.
MYTH: My child can brush alone once they start school.
FACT: Most children don't develop the hand coordination to brush effectively until they're around 8 to 10 years old. Parents should continue helping until brushing is consistently thorough.
MYTH: Two rows of teeth mean something is wrong.
FACT: Pediatric dentists call them "shark teeth," and they're one of the most common reasons parents call the office. Permanent teeth often erupt behind baby teeth before those baby teeth loosen enough to fall out. It's usually a normal stage of development.
MYTH: Yellow permanent teeth mean my child isn't brushing well.
FACT: Adult teeth are naturally three to four shades darker than baby teeth. The color difference is completely normal and one of the biggest surprises for parents.
MYTH: An orthodontic evaluation at age seven means my child needs braces.
FACT: An evaluation simply allows the APDO pediatric dentists and orthodontists to monitor jaw growth, bite development, and spacing. Some children benefit from early treatment. Many simply need observation.
MYTH: Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics hasn't changed much over the years.
FACT: Today's focus is prevention. In addition to fluoride treatments, pediatric dentists now have options like hydroxyapatite for some families and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which can slow early cavity progression and, in some cases, delay more invasive treatment. In terms of orthodontic treatment, state-of-the-art digital robotic technology allows for more efficient and streamlined orthodontic treatment.
MYTH: Mouthguards are only for football players.
FACT: Dental injuries happen in baseball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, hockey, and countless other activities. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect a child's smile.
MYTH: A knocked-out permanent tooth can wait until tomorrow.
FACT: It's a dental emergency. Immediate care gives the tooth its best chance of being saved.
MYTH: Brushing is enough.
FACT: Many cavities the APDO dental team sees begin between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Once teeth touch, flossing should become part of every child's daily routine.
MYTH: Every child's smile should develop on the same timeline.
FACT: Every child grows differently. Teeth erupt at different ages. Jaws develop at different rates. Orthodontic needs vary. As Dr. Goldstein reminds parents, "Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics are not one size fits all."
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