As parents, we all want our children to grow up with strong, healthy smiles. Everyday habits that seem harmless, like thumb sucking or chewing on ice, can actually cause dental problems. These actions may affect your child’s teeth and gums over time. With early awareness and regular pediatric dental exams, you can protect their smile.
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Thumb sucking and pacifiers can be comforting for young children, but when these habits continue past the toddler years, they may affect tooth alignment and bite development. Over time, this can increase the need for orthodontic treatment, including pediatric dental braces.
What to do: If your child is struggling to stop, try positive reinforcement and encouragement. A kid’s dental exam can identify whether ongoing habits are affecting their teeth.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Many kids develop a habit of chewing on pencils, fingernails, or even ice cubes. While it may seem harmless, this can lead to a chipped tooth or even enamel fractures. These injuries often require professional treatment, such as fillings or crowns.
What to do: Encourage your child to chew sugar-free gum instead, which can actually help protect teeth by increasing saliva flow.
Frequent Snacking or Sugary Drinks
Snacking throughout the day or sipping on juice and soda may seem convenient, but it creates constant exposure to sugars. This increases the risk of cavities, making children’s dental cleanings and fluoride treatments even more important.
What to do: Offer water between meals and limit sugary snacks. A pediatric dental cleaning twice a year can catch and prevent decay early.
Poor Brushing Habits
Some kids brush too quickly, miss certain areas, or use the wrong type of toothbrush. Others may brush too hard, which can wear down enamel and irritate gums.
What to do: Teach proper brushing techniques and supervise until your child can manage on their own. A pediatric dental checkup gives the dentist a chance to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.
Nail Biting and Teeth Grinding
Stress, anxiety, or simple habits like nail biting can wear down enamel or even shift teeth. Nighttime grinding (bruxism) is also common in kids and may cause jaw discomfort or headaches.
What to do: If you notice signs of grinding or your child says their jaw hurts in the morning, bring it up during their next kids’ dental exam. A mouthguard may be recommended.
When to See a Dentist
Some habits can be corrected at home, but others require professional guidance. A regular pediatric dental exam helps dentists catch problems early and suggest personalized solutions. If your child has pain, visible damage, or you’re unsure about their habits, scheduling a visit is always the safest step.
Start Building Healthy Habits
While habits like thumb sucking, nail biting, or frequent snacking may seem minor, they can impact your child’s oral health over time. The team at Rio Dental & Orthodontics is here to answer your questions, provide children’s dental cleanings, and guide your family toward healthy routines. Together, we can help protect your child’s smile for years to come.
