Can Pediatric Dentistry Help with Thumbsucking?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on dealing with the oral health of children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are skilled at interacting with patients of all ages, and children specifically making it comfortable and easy for both the parents and kids. At Evan Baker, DDS, we always ensure our patients feel relaxed and welcome and strive to provide the very best care.

Can Pediatric Dentistry Help With Thumb Sucking?

Pediatric dentists provide general care including fixing cavities, managing gum disease, and diagnosing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Visiting our office regularly helps set the tone for good oral hygiene, and helps to create good oral hygiene habits in the future.

Many children tend to suck their thumb for comfort or out of habit when they are young. This habit tends to correct itself between the ages of 2 and 4 years old with positive reinforcement. However, there are some cases where the habit continues beyond this age and problems can occur. Thumb sucking can cause the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, or interfere with tooth eruption and jaw growth.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

When should you call our pediatric dental office in Ontario, CA

If you notice your child has this problem we are here to help. Regular visits to our office starting at age 1 can allow our team to help teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques to prevent tooth decay. We also monitor dental growth, and can assist in giving suggestions to stop thumb sucking. This can avoid expensive treatments or orthodontic visits. During the appointment we typically ask about thumb sucking, and if the child does suck their thumb we can help talk to them about giving up that habit. If needed, an oral appliance can be made called an intraoral tongue crib. This appliance comfortably fits in the child’s mouth, and physically prevents thumb sucking. Typically, this device can help break their habit in a couple months.

Contact Evan Baker DDS in Ontario, CA

Our team is here to help with all your family’s dental needs, and we enjoy watching our patients grow from children into adults. Our priority is to provide superior care to patients of all ages and ensure each patient is relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. If you are looking for a friendly and gentle dentist for your child’s next appointment we are here to help.

If you are interested in finding out more about pediatric dental care in Ontario, CA, contact Evan Baker, DDS to schedule your pediatric appointment with Dr. Baker!

Pediatric Dentist FAQ

Pediatric Dentist FAQ

 

Teeth problems are an inevitable part of growing up. Many children and their parents have questions about how to manage these problems and take care of teeth. It is often difficult to find the right answers to these questions, so here are our answers to all the common questions regarding childhood dental health.

1.    What is the right time to take my child for their first dental appointment?

Your child needs a dentist as soon as he or she gets their teeth. While it is ideal to visit a dentist when the first little tooth pops out, you should not delay a dental checkup after their first birthday. A dentist can offer you tips for better care of the teeth and for dealing with the difficulty faced during the teething periods.

Pediatric Dentist FAQ

1.    Is a pediatric dentist the same as a general dentist?

A general dentist works with all age groups, while a pediatric dentist specializes in working with kids. Just as it is preferable that you take your kid to a pediatrician rather than a general physician, it is better to consult a pediatric dentist. The reason behind this is that pediatric dentists go through an additional two or three years of specialized training after dental school to learn how to treat the dental health problems of all children from infants to adolescents.

2.    Do I need to keep my baby’s teeth healthy?

You may think that maintaining your baby’s dental health is not important because those teeth are temporary. However, you should take every measure to keep them as well-maintained and healthy as possible. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits are crucial. Baby teeth serve several purposes – they help your child chew, speak clearly, and even function as guideposts for their adult teeth to grow in the right places.

3.    My child has a toothache. What should I do?

The first steps that you can take are rinsing the area using warm saltwater. Make your child spit out the saltwater and not swallow it. You can also use a cold compress on your child’s face if there is swelling. You should visit a pediatric dentist if the pain persists.

4.    How much toothpaste should I use on my child’s teeth?

Your child’s toothpaste should have fluoride, but too much exposure to it may cause white spots (fluorosis) on his incoming adult teeth. For babies and toddlers, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste should be enough. When your child reaches the age of 3, it is safe to increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-sized dollop. After age 6, they usually become sensible enough to use appropriate amounts of toothpaste, but do supervise them to ensure that they spit the excess toothpaste after brushing instead of swallowing it. Parents and caretakers like you need to know how to take care of your children’s teeth so that you can maintain those cute, healthy smiles while they are growing. If you want to know more, you can visit a pediatric dentist with your child!