3 Bad Habits That Are Harming Your Child’s Teeth
At Pollard Dental, we treat patients of all ages. We frequently speak about the importance of oral health and ways to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. One of the best ways to do this is to teach healthy oral habits from a young age. Bad habits that develop as a child can continue to cause problems with oral health well into adulthood. We want to share some common bad habits that children should stop as soon as possible. These habits could wreak havoc on your child’s teeth and result in the need for dental treatments now and in the future.
Chewing on Non-Food Items
One common stage of development as an infant is putting things in the mouth and chewing on them. Eventually, with age and after the teeth emerge, the hope is that children will move past this stage. Unfortunately, there are a large number of children who have the bad habit of chewing on non-food items such as fingernails, pencils, pen caps and more. The pressure exerted chewing on these items is not ideal for the tooth enamel. It can lead to cracked and broken teeth and the need for treatments such as dental crowns.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Many infants and toddlers use pacifiers and suck their thumb as a calming technique. Although it can be challenging to break this habit, the American Dental Association recommends that children past the age of four should not be using a pacifier or sucking their thumb. It can lead to a change in the teeth, jaw, and development of the mouth.
Not Brushing Properly
When children are learning to brush their teeth, they all have a unique method that is typically incorrect. Some children only brush their front teeth, some just suck on the toothbrush, and others brush so vigorously that they are causing damage to the tooth enamel. When children are learning to brush their teeth, it is important for parents and guardians to guide their routine and habits. Model how to brush properly, and don’t forget to teach them to floss daily!
If you have any questions about your child’s oral health or it has been more than six months since their last visit, be sure to contact our office located in Silverdale, WA to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
