4 Harmful Oral Habits A Pediatric Dentist Can Put A Stop To

Posted on: 13 October 2020

Children's jawbones don't stop growing until the child is in their late teens or even later. And oral habits have an effect on the way a child's jawbones grow. In severe cases, bad oral habits, such as nail-biting, can lead to the necessity for orthodontic treatment in later life. Because of this, it's important that you and your pediatric dentist do all you can to prevent and stop bad oral habits.

With the help of a pediatric dentist, you can put a stop to the following bad oral habits.

1. Nail-biting

If your child bites their nails regularly, this could have an adverse effect on their teeth and jawbone development due to the pressure exerted on the teeth and bones. Teeth can shift out of position when placed under the pressure of constant nail-biting.

Fortunately, your pediatric dentist can help you to put a stop to this habit. One method of stopping this habit is through behavioral therapy. And a pediatric dentist can create a special mouthguard that prevents nail-biting.

2. Thumb-sucking

Thumb-sucking can cause the front upper teeth to protrude outwards. This can affect a child's appearance and make it difficult for them to smile and chew comfortably in the future. To deal with this issue, you can use behavioral therapy. And if that isn't enough, the dentist can prescribe a pacifier that you child can suck on instead of their thumb.

In extreme cases, a pediatric dentist will use a dental appliance that resembles braces to prevent a child from sucking their thumb.

3. Bruxism

Nocturnal grinding or bruxism causes wear and tear on teeth and gums. And, in time, bruxism can cause the misalignment of teeth. If your child grinds their teeth due to stress or lack of sleep, your pediatric dentist will advise you on how to relax your child before bedtime. They can also create a mouthguard that your child can wear to bed to protect their teeth through the night.

4. Tongue-thrusting

If your child has a habit of pushing their tongue forward as they swallow, then, much like thumb sucking, this could move your child's front teeth forwards. Your pediatric dentist can use oral therapy combined with the use of a mouth guard or similar appliance to prevent your child from tongue thrusting. After undergoing oral therapy, your child will eventually stop this habit.

If you are worried about how your child's oral habits might affect their teeth, talk to your pediatric dentist about your options.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.