Teaching your child healthy oral habits is as important as teaching your child how to break bad habits. These are some of the most common habits that can harm your child’s oral health.
Nail Biting
Biting your nails is a bad habit that often begins at a young age and can last long into adulthood. However, it can be unhealthy for your child’s teeth as it can cause them to stick out or crack from the force of biting. Further, if your child has braces, it can break their brackets and cause further issues.
The nails can also harbor bacteria, harming their overall health and increasing the odds of your child becoming sick. If you see your child biting their nails, it’s important to stop them right away. Keep their nails trimmed and remind them to stop when you see them doing it.
Thumb Sucking
Your child may begin sucking their thumb as toddlers as a comfort mechanism. However, it can lead to severe misalignment and overbites when their teeth develop. Many doctors and dentists recommend a reward system to prevent your child from sucking their thumb.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often develops when a child is sleeping or stressed. Bruxism can wear down the teeth and lead to jaw pain. If you notice your child grinding their teeth, ask your dentist about a personalized mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth. It is also important to speak to your child’s pediatrician and address any underlying causes of their teeth grinding, whether stress, anxiety, or jaw misalignment.
Excessive Sugar Intake
Monitoring your child’s sugar intake is vital to their oral health. Sugar can erode the teeth, leading to cavities and damaging their enamel. By teaching them to moderate their sugar intake at a young age, they can have better oral health as they grow.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Dental Kidz Club takes pride in teaching kids and teens the importance of caring for their teeth. If you’d like to learn more about what your child can do to improve their oral health, contact our office today at 951-200-5553. We proudly serve Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, CA.
