Bad Habits That Are Harming Your Child’s Teeth
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 at a young age. Bad habits that start in childhood can be extremely difficult to change. We would hate for these habits to lead to problems with your children’s oral health now and in the future.
Chewing on Non-Food Items
Depending on the age of your children, they may be in the habit of putting things in their mouths. While this is common with babies and young toddlers to help them learn more about their surroundings, it can become harmful to children as they get older. Common things that children may chew on include pencils, fingernails, pen caps, and even small toys. The pressure used to chew on these items is not ideal for maintaining healthy tooth enamel and can lead to cracked and broken teeth, eventually requiring some type of treatment, such as a dental crown.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Pacifiers and thumb sucking are soothing techniques for infants and babies. The American Dental Association recommends that children past the age of four should not be using pacifiers or sucking their thumbs. We know this can be a very difficult habit to break. There are a number of special activities that can encourage kids to stop this habit. Eventually, thumb sucking and pacifier use can lead to a change in the teeth, jaw, and development of the mouth.
Not Cleaning Teeth Properly
People of all ages can have difficulty cleaning their teeth properly. Children seem to have the hardest time. Some children only brush their front teeth, some just suck on the toothbrush, and others brush so vigorously they are causing damage to the tooth enamel. If you are a parent or guardian of a young child, we recommend helping them learn the proper techniques to brush their teeth. If you need assistance yourself, we will be happy to provide a demonstration during your next appointment.
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 Fort Lee, NJ to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
