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Parents Ask Us...
What about oral habits such as pacifiers or thumb sucking?
Sucking is a natural reflex which may offer a sense of relaxation or security. Sucking habits usually cease between the age of two and four.
Prolonged nonnutritive sucking habits can interfere with the proper growth of the jaws and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks, and the length of time, influence the degree of dental problems. Children who rest their thumbs or fingers passively in their mouths will have less distortion than those who suck vigorously.
Children should discontinue all sucking habits by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Habit control is best achieved with positive reinforcement. It is far better to praise the child when he is not sucking than scold him when he is. Your pediatric dentist can offer other habit control intervention programs or appliances, when necessary.
Pacifiers can affect the teeth and jaws the same as fingers or thumbs but can be more easily controlled.
My child grinds her teeth! Should I be concerned?
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| Adrianna's Camper |
Bruxism (grinding or gnashing of teeth) is seen most frequently in children with disabilities but also occurs frequently in other youngsters. Often the habit is out grown and no treatment is necessary. Bruxism usually occurs at night during sleep, but can be demonstrated throughout the day. This habit, continued consciously or unconsciously over a period of time, can result in excessive wearing of tooth structure. In permanent teeth, bruxism can lead to periodontal disease (bone loss) and/or a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder (headaches, facial pain, jaw "clicking" etc).
Bruxism can be diagnosed at a routine dental visit. Treatment may include bite adjustments, or a bite guard appliance, when necessary.
When
will
my
baby's
teeth
come
in?
The first "baby" or primary teeth to appear are the two lower central incisors. They usually come in between age six months to one year. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three years. Your child's primary teeth are as important as your permanent ones for chewing, speaking and appearance!
Is it necessary to take x-rays of "baby teeth"?
Many conditions such as congenitally missing teeth, extra teeth, malpositioned teeth, dental infections, and decay between the back teeth can only be detected with X-rays.
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| Instill good habits early |
Why bother fixing teeth that are going to fall out anyway?
Primary or "baby" teeth are necessary for chewing as well as for holding the space for new permanent teeth to come in the correct position. Front primary teeth are essential for developing proper speech patterns including the pronunciation of sounds such as "s, v, t, and f". Primary ("baby") molars remain in the mouth until age 10-12 years and are necessary for chewing.
When will my child start losing teeth?
Many parents are surprised to learn that the first permanent teeth to come in often appear before the child loses a tooth! Permanent first molars come in behind the primary molars, usually at age six years. They are, therefore, often called "six year molars". The first baby teeth to come out are usually the lower central incisors, also around age six.
What kind of toothpaste should my child be using?
The flavor of toothpaste can make brushing more acceptable to children. We recommend any fluoride-containing dentifrice that displays the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. Never use more than a pea-size drop, and always with parental supervision.
Amusing, humorous, touching stories shared with our readers from our staff.
Links for Parents
The American Dental Association
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
