As important as it is to be diligent about dental care, it’s equally as important to know which practices are harmful to teeth and gums. A number of dental routines spell bad things for oral health, and some are downright dangerous. Rather than risking severe damage to your little ones’ dental and overall health, check out a few habits children must avoid courtesy of the experts at Pedodontic Associates in Aiea, HI:

• Skipping Brushing & Flossing: The damage not brushing and flossing inflicts can easily last a lifetime. Neglecting this essential dental care practice results in a buildup of bacteria and, therefore, plaque in the mouth, which eats away at enamel and causes tooth decay. Plaque also hardens into tartar, a destructive substance only a dentist can remove. If left unchecked, plaque and tartar result in gingivitis and eventually gum disease. The disease causes severe decay, toothaches, tooth loss, and even bone loss.
• Ingesting Toothpaste: Toothpaste is used to clean teeth, and that’s it. It is not meant to be ingested in large quantities. If a lot is swallowed, it can result in a variety of unpleasant side effects. Children may mistake toothpaste for candy due to mint, cinnamon, and other “fun” flavors, making it very important to explain toothpaste’s adverse effects when eaten. These include stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, breathing difficulty, tremors, shock, and slow heart rate.
• Providing The Wrong Mouthwash: Mouthwash is not a dental care product children necessarily require, and it is not recommended for kids under the age of 6. Children and teens can benefit from fluoride-based mouthwashes, as fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay. It is recommended you provide children with mouthwash specifically made for kids or those recommended by your dentist. Swallowing large amounts of mouthwash can result in fluorosis, a condition where spots or streaks appear on teeth.

These are just some of the many harmful dental habits to avoid! Others include chewing ice, which presents the risk of fracture and breakage, and using teeth for anything other than chewing, such as opening a snack bag, which can also result in damage. Eating a diet high in starches and sugar is also very harmful to teeth, as it provides bacteria to create enamel-destroying acids.

Schedule regular dental visits for your children with the best pediatric dentists in Aiea by contacting Pedodontic Associates. Call (808) 487-7933 or visit the website today.