The Worst Habits for Your Child’s Dental Health 

Dental

We all want the greatest life for our children, and good teeth are an important part of that. Unfortunately, as adults, we sometimes overlook how difficult it may be for children to grasp good and bad for their oral health. Consult a pediatric dentist in Burtonsville, MD, today to get more information on the best oral practices for your children. 

Not brushing after meals. 

This is one of the most serious issues you will encounter with young children. They will take a few bites and then want to play with their pals or do something else. This issue is solved if they wash their teeth immediately after eating.

Introduce your youngster to brushing by making them watch you wash your teeth. Leading by example is the most effective strategy to discourage bad behavior and encourage the good practice of brushing after meals.

Not Wearing Mouthguards When Playing Sports 

Sports are beneficial to children and their development in general. Wearing mouthguards in contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer might have more significant consequences than losing a tooth.

If you walk out on the field with nothing between your teeth and another player’s cleats, you risk harm that could have been avoided.

Mouthguards are inexpensive and can help save your child’s teeth, so make sure they wear them when participating in sports.

Not brushing every day. 

This is something that all adults should do. Young children should brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes to maintain healthy gums and stimulate enamel growth. This helps prevent cavities from developing, which is never fun for a child or an adult!

This practice requires discipline at first, but it becomes a routine, similar to brushing after meals (described above) or using mouthwash before sleeping. You may skip a few days, but make it a point to have your kids brush their teeth as frequently as possible.

Using teeth to open things 

Can you open a bottle with your teeth? Kids always do that since it is easier and faster than asking mom or looking for a tool. Unfortunately, children do not contemplate the repercussions if their tooth is still growing, or worse, if their adult tooth is not there to replace it.

Young children must realize that using their teeth as tools might cause long-term harm. Explain why kids should not use their teeth to open goods and containers. For more information on what habits your kids should avoid, speak to an experienced dentist today.