Babies suck even when they are not hungry (a natural reflex called non-nutritive sucking) for pleasure, comfort and security. In fact, some babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.
In the pacifier-versus-thumb debate, the AAPD votes for pacifiers over thumbs to comfort new babies. A pacifier habit is easier to break at an earlier age. The earlier a sucking habit is stopped, the less chance the habit will lead to dental alignment, jaw and orthodontic problems.
Sucking on a thumb, finger, or pacifier is normal for infants and young children; most children stop on their own. If a child does not stop by herself, the habit should be discouraged after age three.
Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking all can affect the teeth essentially the same way. If a child repeatedly sucks on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time, the upper front teeth may tip outward or not come in properly. Other changes in tooth position and jaw alignment also may occur.it should be noted that orthodontic pacifiers are much better than regular round end pacifiers on the negative side of use. They are designed in a way to fit better on upper jaw and allow normal tongue movement, minimizing jaw changes effect.
Some oral changes caused by sucking habits continue even after the habit stops. Prolonged sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. Early dental visits provide parents with information to help their children stop sucking habits before they affect the developing permanent dentition.
A pediatric dentist can encourage the child to stop a sucking habit and discuss what happens to the teeth and mouth if the child does not stop. This advice, coupled with support from parents, helps many children quit. If this approach does not work, a pediatric dentist may recommend behavior modification techniques or an appliance that serves as a reminder for children who want to stop their habits
Parent Tips for Safe Pacifiers
• Never dip the pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby. • A pacifier’s shield should be wider than the child’s mouth. Discontinue use if the child can fit the entire pacifier in his mouth.
• Inspect pacifiers frequently for signs of wear or deterioration; discard if the bulb has become sticky, swollen, or cracked.
• Never leave an infant unattended with a pacifier in her mouth, or let her sleep with a pacifier.
• Never substitute a bottle nipple for a pacifier
Fluoride and your Children’s Teeth
Children aged 6 months to 16 years may need fluoride supplements if they drink water that is not optimally fluoridated. Our pediatric dentist considers many different factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child's age, risk of developing dental decay and the different liquids your child drinks are important considerations.
Fluoride for infants is available in fluoride drops or in combination with prescription vitamins. Fluoride sources for children include fluoride toothpastes, fluoride mouth rinses and fluoride applications in the pediatric dental office.
Your child should use toothpaste with fluoride and should not swallow any toothpaste. Careful supervision is encouraged. For children under 3-years-old, use a smear or rice-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For those 3 to 6-years-old, no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on the brush is recommended.
When a child develops a cavity, the pediatric dentist may use certain types of tooth-colored filling materials (such as resin ionomer or compomer) that contain time-release fluorides. This extra fluoride targeted to the child’s problem area can prevent decay and the need for future fillings. Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for dental decay. Risk factors include a history of previous cavities, a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates, orthodontic appliances and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.
Topical fluoride is a preventive agent applied to tooth enamel. It comes in a number of different forms. A dental professional places fluoride gels and foams in trays that are held against the teeth for up to 4 minutes. Topical fluoride also can be applied as a varnish.
Parents should supervise their preschoolers’ tooth brushing. Use a small smear or rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children under three-years-old. For those aged 3 to 6 years, use no more than a peasized amount of fluoridated toothpaste when helping your children brush.Studies have shown that caries increments in 3-year studies were approximately 20-30% greater in subject brushing once or less per day .compared with those brushing twice or more a day.
Baby Teeth & Tooth Brushing Toddlers can and should be encouraged to help brush their teeth as soon as they can hold a brush.
Parents should brush preschoolers’ teeth and supervise the brushing for school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age (about the same time they can tie their own shoelaces or write in cursive).
Choose a toothbrush designed for children’s smaller hands and mouths. Look for large handles that help children control the toothbrush.
The best toothbrushes have soft, round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Remember to throw out a toothbrush after 3 months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm the gums and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.
The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bed.
The child should use toothpaste with fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Young children, especially preschool-aged children, should not swallow any toothpaste. Careful supervision is encouraged.
For children under 3-years-old, use a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. For those 3 to 6 years old, nor more than a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on the brush is recommended.
Your child needs to start developing a relationship with their dentist at a young age. They need to see how a dental office can be and allow them to get familiar with the office staff. Kids develop trust with consistency. The goal is to start them early in order to develop a relationship in which they progress from an exam to a cleaning to sealants and any restorative treatment that needs to be done. Kids usually don’t do well if their first visit to the dentist is at age four with cavities. They tend to get overwhelmed with new noises, vibrations, and of course local anesthesia.The initial visit is informative for the parent. Parent(s) develop an individualized preventative program with our pediatric dental specialist. Questions will be answered about diet, brushing and any habits your child may have. As the kids get older, parents will be informed about growth and development. Referrals may be given to other dental specialists, such as orthodontists, due to crowding. A pediatric dentist can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they come in the mouth. Not only will this improve the look of the child’s smile, but early orthodontic treatment may prevent more extensive treatment later. The advantages of orthodontic care far surpass appearance. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth into proper position as they come in, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth not only look better, but are easier to keep clean and therefore less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Last but not least, parents will be able to contact us for any emergency dental trauma. Believe it or not, the kids we care for love coming to the dentist to see us! Their perceptions of dentistry are much different than their parents’. Our pediatric dentist is friendly, caring and professional.
Primary teeth may be temporary, but they deserve good care. A child needs strong, healthy primary teeth not only to chew food easily, pronounce words properly but believe it or not for her psychological make-up .Our mission is to provide specialized and comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents in a friendly, safe, and state-of-the-art environment with a focus on prevention and education for the families. If you’re looking for an experienced dentist for kids in Amman-Jordan, contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child and we will help her maintain healthy teeth and gums from her early life beginnings.