Taking care of your child’s teeth goes beyond the typical spectrum of brushing and flossing every day; it also includes making sure they’re using their teeth appropriately! The children’s dentist at Dentistry For Kids in Pearl City, HI, notes a common problem among young children – they use their teeth to do a number of things other than chewing – habits that aren’t good for their oral health. To ensure your child is taking care of their teeth, encourage them to use their teeth for chewing – and not these other unsafe habits.

Don’t Open Things With Teeth

It can be tempting for children (and adults) to pop that soda top or twist off that bottle cap with their teeth, but you risk causing extensive damage to your child’s teeth. Opening a bottle with the teeth can cause a cracked or fractured tooth, which is painful and will require a trip to the pediatric dentist. Additionally, trying to open these items with the teeth consistently can wear down the enamel, leaving them more vulnerable to decay and cavities.

Don’t Hold Items With Teeth

When searching for an extra set of hands, it can be easy for a child to use their mouth to carry items, but this isn’t what the teeth are designed to do. Holding or carrying items with the teeth puts your child’s balance off skew, which means they’re more liable to fall and sustain serious oral or facial issues. Teach your children to make the extra trip and carry things only with their arms.

Don’t Cut Items With Teeth

While the teeth are designed to chew and break down food, they’re not made to withstand the pressure needed to cut items, like string, tape or bags. Using the teeth to cut miscellaneous items means a risk of chipping a tooth or damaging the soft tissue around the teeth. If your child has a habit of cutting items with their teeth, avoid a trip to the pediatric dentist by teaching them to use safety scissors instead to keep their oral health in optimal shape.

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist for your child, consider the professionals at Dentistry For Kids. The staff at this office strives to provide important dental care and examinations for children of all ages, making sure they feel comfortable with the process and learn to trust the dentist. For more information about their services or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 486-8881 or visit their website.