As a parent, you’re always concerned about your child’s well-being. Thus, you take whatever precautions are necessary to protect them. When it comes to their oral health, though, your pediatric dentist in New Britain says they may have some habits that are detrimental to their wellness. By being better informed, you can help to prevent dental health issues.
Habit #1 – Fingernail Biting
Although it may seem harmless, biting fingernails can lead to a dental emergency. That’s because the enamel (the hard, outer part of the teeth) isn’t designed to bite into something as hard as fingernails. Thus, repeatedly doing so can cause a tooth to crack, which can be painful and can leave the sensitive inner parts of the tooth exposed.
Another problem with fingernail biting is there is a chance of scratching the gums and causing an infection, which can morph into a greater issue by spreading to other parts of the mouth and throughout the body.
Habit #2 – Not Wearing a Mouthguard for Sporting Events
If your children are active in sports, then there is always the chance of a collision and trauma to the mouth. A mouthguard helps to absorb some of the impact to prevent a tooth from dislodging or a gum laceration.
Failing to take this precaution then leaves your children susceptible to an unnecessary injury, pain and lost time while recovering.
Habit #3 – Eating Hard Candy
Eating hard candy can be problematic for the following reasons:
- Longer exposure to sugar – When your children leave sugar-laden candy in their mouths for prolonged periods of time, their teeth are bathed in a harmful, acidic solution that can cause rapid decay.
- Possibility of breaking teeth – Another issue with hard candy is that when it is bitten into, it can break a tooth. Ideally, human teeth should be used to bite into substances softer than the enamel.
Habit #4 – Using Teeth as Tools
You may have noticed your children using their teeth to pry open packages to get to their favorite snack or toy. If so, you should address it immediately because it can lead to a dental emergency.
The issue here is that when the teeth are used in this manner, they improperly grind against each other similar to what happens when a person is suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding). As a result, the enamel can become prematurely worn and leave them vulnerable to a dental emergency.
By being mindful of these pitfalls and reminding your children to avoid them, you can save yourself a headache and prevent them from experiencing any unwanted pain and suffering. To get help with protecting your little one’s oral health, reach out to your children’s dentist in New Britain to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Moe Beydoun is a graduate of Boston University, and he has also received a Master’s in Biology. He uses his vast educational background and years of experience to ensure children enjoy the absolute best in dental care at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, and he can be reached for more information through his website.