Oral Health Protection: 2 Habits To Stop Early

Posted October 4, 2017

When you see your little one doing something that you know will lead to serious consequences down the line, your immediate reaction is to find a way to put a stop to it. When it’s something less obvious, however, you may not even realize that you’re witnessing a habit that can negatively affect the future of your child’s oral health. Today, we cover just a couple smile-related habits that can lead to damage (and that you can easily encourage your children to avoid).

#1: Nail Biting

When you notice your child biting his or her nails, this is a good one to try to nip in the bud the instant you see it happening. This may prove difficult. Or, it may be something your child can easily remedy. It is, of course, worth the attempt. Remember that nail biting over time can strain your child’s jaw joints, encourage bruxism, and even damage teeth. Of course, you also want your kids to keep their germ-laden fingernails out of their mouths, so they can stay healthy and avoid contagious illnesses like the cold and flu!

#2: Grinding And Clenching

If you notice that your child tends to grind or clench his or her teeth, you may want to mention it. Or, you may want to address it through less apparent means. For instance, do you notice that your child does this when he or she is concentrating or stressed? Try offering alternatives, such as a stress relief ball (if your child is old enough), suggestions for how to relax when feeling stressed (like coloring, listening to music, taking a walk, exercising, or meditating). As a result, you may be able to deter your child from developing (or contributing to) bruxism, which can wear down teeth and lead to discomfort.

Keep Kids’ Smiles Safe With Easy Tips

Don’t forget that we are happy to help you with anything that you find unusual or if you’re uncertain when it comes to your child’s oral health. Always feel free to ask. Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.