Common Bad Oral Habits for Children
Many children don’t know the importance of good oral health. The chore of brushing before bed is only sometimes one that seems important. Yet, that’s just one of several bad oral habits that could impact your child’s oral health. Consider a few more:
- Fingernail biting: This can alter the structure of your child’s smile, even leading to chipping of their teeth or requiring the need for braces.
- Sucking on hard candy: Sucking on hard candy is better than biting it, but both can not only lead to a buildup of plaque in the child’s mouth but also can create chips in the tooth’s structure.
- Tooth grinding: Often a nervous habit, tooth grinding isn’t uncommon but can wear down the surface of the teeth, creating an increased risk of damage to the structure.
- Thumbsucking: The use of thumb sucking is a common soothing habit, but it causes misalignment of teeth as they come in, often leading to the need for braces later.
- Chewing on ice: Like other bad oral habits here, chewing on ice can cause chips in the tooth, requiring repairs.
If your child is engaging in any of these bad oral habits, seek out care and tips for preventing them. When it comes to help, your pediatric dentist can provide you with guidance. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to break those habits.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Pediatric Dentistry Today
Call Drs of Smiles to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist. You can set up an appointment with our pediatric dentists in Mesa, AZ, by calling 480-834-6991 today. Let us help you create a plan for improving those bad habits and restoring healthy smiles.