Child dental care involves so much more than simple brushing, flossing, good nutrition and regular dental visits! As seasoned parents know, there are a host of other worries and concerns associated with a child's dental health during those all-important growing years.
Here is quick look at some of the most popular worries and what to do about them.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Many ultrasounds show infants sucking their thumbs while still in the womb! This practice is a natural reflex action for many children, and millions of infants and toddlers enjoy sucking on a pacifier when they get anxious or to help them relax.
Most pediatric dentists do not have a problem with either of these habits unless the child continues to do them past the age when their permanent front teeth are about to erupt.
If the behavior isn't stopped, a child is at risk of developing problems with mouth growth and teeth alignment.
What To Do Most kids stop thumb sucking and pacifier use by the time they are school-age due to peer pressure.
But if not, positive reinforcement from parents can go a long way towards helping.
Do not criticize or belittle your child for thumb sucking.
Rather, praise him when he doesn't.
If he sucks when anxious, root out the cause of the anxiety and try to resolve it.
Your pediatric dentist can also recommend some effective cessation strategies or even prescribe a mouth appliance under some circumstances.
Teeth Grinding Many children of all ages grind their teeth when they are asleep; it is usually a subconscious reaction to stress in their lives and becomes a way that their bodies and psyches learn to cope.
It generally will be outgrown and is not of great concern unless you notice a significant wearing down of their teeth.
If so, immediate action is needed.
What To Do Talking to your child about it does nothing since the behavior occurs in his sleep and is out of his control.
Contact your pediatric dentist and he can prescribe a mouth (night) guard as a simple way to prevent any future damage.
And remember, most kids outgrow grinding.
Tongue Piercing Many teenagers think it's "cool" to pierce their tongue or cheek, but it can wreak havoc on their dental health.
Piercings invite chipped or cracked teeth, infection, blood poisoning, and a host of other serious problems.
What To Do Just say NO and have your pediatric dentist back you up if necessary! If you have concerns about these and other dental worries, contact your Utah pediatric dentist or similar professional in the state where you live for remedies, help, support and advice.