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Posts for tag: Dental Care for Children

By Reno Laser Dentistry
January 05, 2012
Category: dentist reno

We all have seen the cute baby sucking on their fingers and say “how cute” which is normal for babies and young children. What if your child is six years old and still hasn’t given up, what do you do? Did you know children who continue to suck on their fingers/thumb may actually cause permanent dental problems?

According to the editors at Better Health Channel, “problems caused by thumb and finger sucking in excess may lead to:

  • Buck teeth – for example, the front teeth may be pushed out of alignment. This can alter the shape of the face and lead to an open bite.
  • A lisp – pre-school children who suck their fingers and thumbs can push their teeth out of their normal position. This interferes with the correct formation of certain speech sounds.
  • There are various things you can do to help your child stop thumb sucking. Focusing on the positives and rewarding your child are important. Depending on your child’s age and ability, you might like to try the following suggestions:
  1. Reward your child and offer encouragement – for example, with a hug or praise to reinforce their decision to stop the habit.
  2. Limit nagging – if children feel they are being nagged they will become defensive.
  3. Mark their progress on a calendar – for example, place a star or a tick for each period (such as a day or week) that the child does not suck their thumb or finger. Provide a special outing or a toy if the child gets through the period successfully.
  4. Encourage bonding – for example, with a special toy.
  5. Reminders – give your child a mitten to wear as a reminder not to suck, or place unpleasant tasting nail paint (available from chemists) on the fingers or thumb. Placing a Band-Aid over the thumb at bedtime is another reminder.
  6. Offer distractions – while your child is watching TV, have toys available for children to play with. Sit with the child during this time and give a cuddle to help them not to suck. In the car, have toys available to keep them occupied."

Most of all patience goes a long way for most children.

You can read the entire article at http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dental_care_thumb_sucking?open

Remember help is out there, contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno, your oral health specialist for any questions or to set up an appointment today.

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By Reno Laser Dentistry
December 29, 2011
Category: dentist

The joy of being a new parent, all the sleepless nights, extended family filled with joy, and the transition into parenthood. With all the new responsibility, do you know when proper dental care should start? Do you know when your child should have their first dental visit?

According to the editors at KidsHealth.org “Proper dental care begins even before a baby’s first tooth appears. Remember that just because you can’t see the teeth doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Teeth actually begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth your baby has 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully developed in the jaw.

Running a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums following feedings can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.

Even babies can have problems with dental decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits. Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth may be convenient in the short term — but it can harm the baby’s teeth. When the sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby’s teeth for hours, they may eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth. Pocked, pitted, or discolored front teeth are signs of bottle mouth. Severe cases result in cavities and the need to pull all the front teeth until the permanent ones grow in.

Parents and childcare providers should help young kids set specific times for drinking each day because sucking on a bottle throughout the day can be equally damaging to young teeth.”

You can read the entire article at http://health.msn.com/kids-health/keeping-your-childs-teeth-healthy

It’s recommended that your child should visit their dentist when the first tooth comes in. This will then start your child off with the proper dental care and establish that dental care is a priority from the start. So don’t forget to contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno to set-up an appointment his staff is very knowledgeable and professional.

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