Sweets and thumb sucking can damage his teeth

In my previous column I have briefly told the significance of milk teeth and proper brushing habits from early age. Click the link to follow. In this article let me tell you what are those bad habits that can damage your kid’s teeth.

Sweets can harm your kid’s teeth a lot

No doubt, sweets are the main villains to our teeth. But it doesn’t mean we should never give candies, toffees and cakes to kids. Clean his mouth and teeth properly once he eats sweets. But one should avoid those items that cause severe damages to teeth. Avoid buying sticky type candies for your kid. Also, bright coloured sweets cause permanent damages to his teeth and affect its health. So, advise him to keep away from colourful and sticky items. Also teach him proper brushing habits from younger age.

Thumb sucking can develop many teeth defects in future

Another bad habit most common in kids is thumb sucking. Some kids continue the habit till he reaches four or five. It can damage his teeth also. Those kids who have a habit of thumb sucking might develop many teeth defects in future. Thumb sucking is a habit most common in babies and as he grows up, he gives up that habit. But if he continues so, it may affect the structure and teeth growth of oral cavity. His plaque may budge out. Also, teeth of upper row budge out while teeth of lower row grow towards the tongue. This causes the socket to come out, where teeth is placed. If plaque losses its original position, it may be difficult to restore it back to original position through given proper dental care later.

Tongue biting – another bad habit of kids

Tongue biting causes teeth of upper row to come out while pushes the lower row teeth downwards. Since a gap is formed between these two rows kid may find difficult to bite and chew food. Some kids have a bad habit of pushing their teeth out using tongue. Grinding the teeth and sleeping with mouth open can also cause defective teeth and shapeless jaws.

Nail biting is a common habit among kids and he may not easily give up even after he turns older. It’s the duty of parents to take care of these bad habits of their kids during early stage before it needs dental attention.

Now a few tips to get rid of thumb sucking in kids

1. When he starts that habit, try to divert his attention towards toys. Keep him engaged in some sort of activity always.

2. Kids love the presence of parents always, and their absence may make them anxious. To comfort themselves and get rid of anxiety, they may make thumb sucking a habit. Never allow to sit him alone, and most important, spend more time with him.

3. Use finger covers before he is made to sleep. Otherwise wrap his fingers with cloth or use glows.

4. Always remember, if he continues this habit for long time, many teeth defects can develop in future, such as projected teeth, alternation of teeth structure etc. 

Image source: Pixabay

Also read a few more topics on dental care. Click on the images in the gallery to read