Kids' Bad Dental Habits (and How to Break Them!)
They suck their thumbs and wipe their noses on their sleeves. Let's face it - kids have a lot of bad habits. While some of these habits amount to little more than lack of social grace, others can lead to more serious health problems. A few can even result in severe dental problems.
Here are three of the most serious habits leading to dental problems in children!
Thumb and Pacifier Sucking
Sure, it isn't attractive when your little one sucks his or her thumb, but that's not the only issue. In addition to spreading all kinds of germs, the practice can leave your child vulnerable to serious dental problems. Chronic thumb and pacifier sucking could cause the child to have buck teeth, which could require future orthodontic treatment. Most children will stop this habit on their own between ages 2 and 4, but there's no guarantee. Try to intervene early on. If all else fails, there are certain topical products that leave a bitter taste in the child's mouth, dissuading the behavior.
Going to Bed with a Bottle
So often we imagine babies snuggled up in a crib, clinging to stuffed animals and a bottle. Like thumb sucking, some children tend to suck the bottle while asleep, leading to the same
orthodontic issues listed above. What's more, putting any liquid apart from water in the bottle allows tooth- and gum-destroying bacteria to rest in the mouth for extended periods of time. Even infants are susceptible to tooth decay. Your best bet is to skip the bottle altogether. If that isn't possible, dilute the liquid a bit more each night with water until nothing else remains.
Swallowing Toothpaste
Toothpaste manufacturers have gone to great lengths to provide consumers with a product that not only fights plaque and gum disease, but also tastes great - sometimes a little too great. Children, particularly young children, are prone to swallowing toothpaste when brushing. It's often the result of using too much toothpaste. The problem? Too much fluoride is ingested into the child's body, causing a condition known as fluorosis. In severe cases, fluorosis leads to white or brown spots on the teeth. This bad habit is actually fairly easy to break. Try explaining to the child that a pea-sized drop of toothpaste is adequate, then teach them how to brush, rinse and spit like a pro.
If you're unhappy with your smile, then give us a call. We would love to work with you and make the smile you've always wanted become a reality. Give us a call at (305) 948-9102 and let us help you look and feel your best with a beautiful smile. Having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances your appearance and allows you to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve your teeth and smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.
Don't wait! Call us today at (305) 948-9102 & visit our website http://www.CarrollDentistry.com
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15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160
