8 Common Habits That Destroy Children's Teeth
Posted on: 20 September 2017
Children fall prey to many of the same habits as adults, but the good news is that there is plenty of time to adjust. The earlier you start teaching your child how to turn away from these bad habits, the more likely he or she is to enjoy a long lifetime of healthy, pain-free teeth.
Habit #1: Chewing on Ice
As refreshing as it may feel to chew on ice, it is actually not good for your teeth to do this. Ice can wear away at your tooth's enamel. It can also crack a tooth, exposing the nerve and leading to a painful trip to the dentist.
Habit #2: Eating Gummies & Sticky Candies
Gummy and sticky candies can cause severe damage to the teeth by getting stuck into the small grooves of the mouth, leading to cavities and decay. It is important to brush, rinse, and floss every time you eat gummy bears and similar snacks.
Habit #3: Chewing on Pencils
Sitting in a school classroom all day, it may be difficult to stay busy. This is how bad habits like biting pencils start. Unfortunately, doing so can cause stress fractures to the teeth, leading to a number of painful dental conditions.
Habit #4: Using a Hard Toothbrush
For children, a soft toothbrush should do the trick. These brushes are best because they do not tear away at the enamel in a harsh manner and they also do not encourage the gums to recede. Brushing your teeth should not hurt, and a soft toothbrush will help to make the process much less painful.
Habit #5: Chewing Sugary Gum
Bubblegum may taste delicious, but it is terrible for your child's teeth. Sugar-free gum is the way to go, and it may even be beneficial for helping to clear away plaque from the teeth. It also provides a distraction from wanting to eat sugary treats.
Habit #6: Brushing Immediately after a Meal
It is essential to wait a while after eating to brush your teeth. This is because acids temporarily demineralize and weaken tooth enamel. Encourage your child to wait for food to settle before brushing, although this may initially seem unintuitive.
It is entirely possible to encourage children to build strong, healthy dental habits. The key is to ensure that you instill knowledge and set a strong precedent for your children. The more highly you speak of having good dental hygiene and car, the less afraid your children will be of the dentist.
Contact a dental office like Alaska Dentistry For Kids for more information and assistance.
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