Baby teeth play an essential role in children’s dental care: they provide foundations for permanent teeth to erupt and contribute to healthy speech and facial development. Unfortunately, several habits common among children can cause baby teeth misalignment that may lead to additional oral health issues. Learn about these habits to help your child overcome them.

3 Habits That Cause Tooth Misalignment In Children

1. Chewing Hard Objects

Children who constantly chew on their nails or other objects like pens and pencils inadvertently wear their teeth down, which contributes to enamel loss and misaligns erupting teeth. These habits also undermine dental care efforts by introducing bacteria to the mouth. Children who fall while chewing on pens and pencils risk serious injuries too.

2. Thumb-Sucking

Many children suck on their thumbs to soothe themselves, though they usually stop around age four. While this habit is normal and a possible byproduct of pacifier use, it creates a vacuum-like effect in the mouth that contributes to jaw development problems and misalignment. Extended thumb-sucking or use of pacifiers can eventually cause bite problems that make it difficult to chew or even speak.

3. Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding wears down enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity, jaw problems, and cavities. If a child’s teeth are already crooked from thumb-sucking or another issue, nighttime grinding can occur when the jaw tries to realign itself during sleep to relieve pressure. Symptoms may include worn down teeth, a sore jaw, headaches, dizziness, ear ringing, and difficulty fully opening the mouth.

Discuss tips for curbing these habits with the dentists at Pediatric Dental Group to keep your child’s teeth healthy. The Honolulu, HI-based office has provided children throughout the community with dental care services since 1966, including teeth cleanings, exams, orthodontics, and emergency care. Call (808) 593-8828 today to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their services online. You can also find more dental care tips on Facebook.