As a parent, you understand the importance of instilling a dental care routine during early childhood. This practice sets your young one up for great oral health in the future. However, as a child grows, they can also pick up habits that harm their smile. Here are some actions to look out for so you can address them as soon as possible.

4 Habits That Can Damage Your Child's Teeth

1. Thumb Sucking

This common action hampers dental development. Once baby teeth come in, continuous thumb sucking causes the front teeth to protrude. While it can be relatively harmless during infancy, you must take steps to break this habit in older kids. Gently explain to your child the dental dangers of thumb sucking and offer positive reinforcement through praise and small rewards when they progress.

2. Eating Hard Candy

Hard candy can lead to chipped or cracked enamel if your child bites down too hard. Sweet snacks also contribute to cavities, as oral bacteria feast on sugar and release acids that degrade the protective layer. Therefore, kids should avoid eating candy as much as possible. You can help limit the consumption of these items by offering healthy alternatives, such as nuts, sliced fruit, yogurt, and popcorn.

3. Biting Fingernails

Enamel is pretty tough, but it's not impervious to damage. Regularly chewing on hard objects, including fingernails, can chip this protective layer.

Fingernail biting can also introduce bacteria to the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities. To deter this habit, keep your child's nails neat and trim. Flavored nail polishes can also discourage kids by leaving a bad taste in their mouths.

4. Not Wearing a Mouthguard During Sports

Playing sports allows kids to be active and teaches the value of teamwork and determination. However, participating in activities like basketball, hockey, and football without a mouthguard can lead to dental trauma. 

While a store-bought appliance is acceptable, your child should visit a dental care clinic to have one custom-made. Because it's tailored to your young one's teeth, it's more comfortable for them to wear.

Ensure your child enjoys good oral health with assistance from Pedodontic Associates in Hawaii. For over 45 years, their dental care team has emphasized preventative care for children and teens throughout Oahu and Maui. They also offer tips so young ones can maintain good oral hygiene at home. Visit the website for more dental care advice, and learn more about the Kahului clinic by calling (808) 877-0066. You can also call (808) 735-1733 to schedule a visit in Honolulu, or dial (808) 487-7933 to reach the Aiea office.