As parents, we all want our children to have healthy teeth and a bright smile. However, sometimes we may not realize that certain habits can harm their teeth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 6 of the most common bad habits that can damage kids’ teeth:
1) Chewing on Ice
While it may seem like a harmless habit, chewing on ice can actually cause tooth fractures or cracks. In some cases, it can even irritate the gums and lead to gum recession.
If your kid is a big ice-chewer, then you may want to stop giving them ice in their drinks. Or, simply encourage them to focus on the drink itself.
2) Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children, but it can cause problems with the growth and development of their teeth and jaws. Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to misaligned teeth or an overbite.
If your child is still sucking their thumb after the age of four, consider talking to your dentist or pediatrician about ways to break the habit.
3) Drinking Sugary Drinks
Kids often love them, but sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and juice can cause tooth decay. The sugar in these drinks combines with the bacteria in the mouth to form acid that erodes tooth enamel.
Do your best to encourage your child to drink water or milk instead of sugary drinks. And if they do have a sugary drink every once in a while, then try to get them to drink it quickly and rinse their mouth with water afterwards.
4) Biting on Pens or Pencils
It may not surprise you to learn that biting on pens or pencils can cause tooth fractures or cracks. It can also lead to jaw pain and headaches over time.
If this is something your child does to cope with stress or anxiety, then consider introducing them to other, healthier techniques, such as taking deep breaths or stretching.
5) Using Teeth as Tools
A lot of adults are also guilty of this one! Kids may use their teeth to open packages or bottles, but this can cause tooth fractures or even knock out a tooth.
If you catch them in the act, try giving them a different kind of tool to open things, like a pair of scissors.
6) Skipping Dental Checkups
It may not be their favourite place to go, but regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Skipping checkups can lead to untreated dental problems that can worsen over time.
So, make sure your child sees the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You may just help prevent a small dental problem from becoming a major issue.
The Bottom Line
While these bad habits for kids’ teeth may seem harmless, they can actually cause long-term damage to your child’s mouth. Encourage your child to adopt good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and drinking plenty of water. Also, be sure to schedule regular dental checkups to catch any potential problems early on.
By helping your child break these bad habits and promoting good oral health practices, you can ensure that they have a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come. Remember, healthy habits start early and can last a lifetime!
Is it time for your child’s next dental checkup and cleaning? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Shelburne Village Dental, and book an appointment with us today.