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WHAT HABITS CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH MY CHILD'S MOUTH?

There are three main habits that can cause malformation of the teeth and mouth. They are thumb or finger sucking, the use of pacifiers and tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing or when the mouth is closed and relaxed). Other habits like lip biting, nail biting and mouth breathing can also cause malformations.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THUMB AND FINGER HABITS

When a child sucks their thumb or fingers, the front teeth (upper incisors) are moved forward and, frequently, the lower teeth moved backward. In addition, the normal position of the upper lip and the general profile of the child are often affected. Failure to stop these sucking habits at a reasonable age can result in improper development and positioning of your child's teeth and jaws. Therefore, attention may be given to breaking the habit as early as four year of age.

There are many methods on how to stop the sucking habits, however, not every method is good for every child. Some children stop just by talking to them and some may need devices placed in their mouths. There are many psychological approaches, however, it is best to talk to your dentist to see what is best for your child.

WHAT ABOUT THE USE OF PACIFIERS?

Professional opinion is extremely varied about the use of pacifiers. Proper design, use at the right time, and limitation of duration of usage are important considerations. Just like the thumb and finger habits, some pacifiers can cause similar damage and the habit should be stopped at the appropriate age.

After making the decision to use a pacifier, many parents are confused about which style to give their baby. One feature to consider when purchasing a pacifier is a symmetrical nipple and shield shape. Such pacifiers are designed to be used with either side up, so they care always in the correct sucking position, even if your baby twists his or her pacifier around during use.

WHAT ABOUT TONGUE THRUSTING?

Tongue thrusting consists of pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing, or of sticking the tongue between the teeth when the mouth is closed. In some cases its cause may be linked to heredity. In others, it may relate to the child never having learned to swallow normally, Occasionally, it remains after a thumb, finger, or pacifier habit has been eliminated. Regardless of the cause, it is a habit that must be corrected.

Depending upon the force with which the tongue is pushed against the teeth, it may cause the front teeth to protrude and, in some cases, to intrude. On occasion, speech impediments, such as lisping, may accompany this habit. Most often an open bite (failure of the upper and lower teeth to meet) is a symptom of tongue thrusting.

The accepted approaches to stop this habit utilizes psychology, speech therapy and/or mechanical devices that stop the forward movement of the tongue while the child is taught the proper placement of the tongue.

PACIFIER SAFETY

Here are a few safety guidelines for the use of pacifiers.

1. Never use a string or cord to attach a pacifier to your child's crib or body as it presents a strangulation danger.

2. To prevent your child from losing or dropping his pacifier, use only an approved pacifier keeper or "leash" made expressly for this purpose.

3. Inspect pacifiers frequently for signs of wear or deterioration. The normal lifespan for a pacifier is around 2-3 months.

4. A pacifier's shield should be wider than your child's mouth, to prevent it from fitting inside. Discontinue use if your child can fit the entire pacifier in his mouth.

5. The pacifier shield should be made of firm, concave plastic, and have ventilation holes.

6. Never leave an infant unattended with a pacifier in his mouth, or let an infant sleep with a pacifier.

Sassy, Inc., AAPD