A straight, healthy smile gives children self-confidence, improves overall health, helps with speech development, and promotes strong permanent teeth. Yet, bad childhood oral habits can result in misalignment, negating these benefits. Using the guide below, help your kid avoid these addictive actions and teach them proper dental care.

What Habits Should You Encourage Children to Stop Practicing?

1. Thumb Sucking

The repetitive pressure thumb sucking puts on the teeth, jaw, and mouth can have several ill effects. A problem it could lead to is bite issues, like an overbite. Sensitivity to the roof of the mouth and speech pattern issues, like lisps, could also develop. 

To help your child stop thumb sucking, pay attention to what triggers the action and engage them in an activity that distracts them from it. You can also use positive reinforcement when they don't practice the habit. If the behavior continues, ask a pediatric dentist for advice. They can recommend strategies to help halt thumb sucking.

2. Chewing on Hard Objects

Children who develop the habit of chewing ice, pencils, and fingernails can inadvertently cause their teeth to misalign. Discouraging this behavior in children can also prevent broken teeth, chips, cracks, and increased sensitivity to cold. It also helps avoid the risk of infection caused by exposure to harmful bacteria.

This habit often arises as a form of stress relief. Like thumb sucking, you must look for what causes your child to act on this behavior. As a form of children's dental care, teach them other ways to handle stress, anxiety, and boredom.

3. Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, grinding or clenching can cause several health issues, such as enamel erosion, headaches, and teeth misalignment. Kids can develop this habit due to stress or medical conditions like cerebral palsy. It can also develop as a way to relieve pain caused by teething or earaches.

A pediatric dentist can help diagnose the problem and advise how you could help your child end this habit. Common suggestions by children's dentists include utilizing a custom-fitted mouth guard during sleep or doing stress-reducing exercises.

A compassionate pediatric dentist can help protect your child's teeth from bad habits. Dentistry For Kids in Pearl City, HI, delivers comprehensive dental care to Oahu children of all ages while providing a personal touch. Whether your child needs their first dental visit or routine teeth cleaning, this pediatric practice will offer services in a comforting and welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment by calling (808) 486-8881, and visit them online to learn more about their team.