As a parent, you want your child to have the brightest, healthiest smile possible. However, dental issues can develop over time. A knowledgeable kids dentist has plenty of suggestions to help maintain your child’s teeth as they grow. Follow this advice at home combined with regular dental visits to keep your child smiling happily with healthy teeth.
1. Stop Thumb Sucking Before Age Four
Many small children find comfort in sucking their thumb or fingers. According to HealthyChildren.org, most pediatric dentists recommend that, by the age of three or four, children should stop using pacifiers and thumb-sucking. If this habit continues past the age of four, it can cause tooth misalignment or push the teeth forward. Ask your pediatric dentist for tips to help your little one kick the habit.
2. Invest in Space Maintainers
Your child's baby teeth are there to help provide their permanent teeth with a guide on where to grow. Unfortunately, sometimes baby teeth can fall out before your child's permanent teeth are ready to come in. This can be a problem because teeth can shift to try and take up the extra space left by the missing baby tooth. Space maintainers can help to keep your child's teeth in the right position until that permanent tooth is ready to sprout.
3. Protect Teeth From Sports Injuries
Child athletes need protection for their teeth, and they can find that protection through mouthguards. Ask your local kids dentist about fitted options or alternatives to prevent dental injuries. A custom athletic mouthguard can shield the teeth from damage, including those from tackles or kicked soccer balls.
4. Avoid Clenching and Grinding
Children may unconsciously grind their teeth when they're feeling anxious or stressed. This added pressure can cause damage to the teeth and may even lead to cracks or premature baby tooth loss. Be aware of some of the most common signs that your child may be grinding their teeth at night, like if they're experiencing dull headaches or sore jaws when they wake up. Talk to your pediatric dentist if you notice potential grinding or clenching signs. They may recommend a night guard if the habit occurs frequently to prevent changes in healthy teeth.
Keeping your child’s teeth happy and healthy can help to keep them from experiencing more serious dental issues later down the line. If you're looking for a new kids dentist to help your child have healthy and straight teeth, reach out to us at Martin Kids Dental to schedule an appointment today.
