When it comes to taking care of your child’s teeth, there are a few key secrets that all good parents should know. With children’s teeth, the stakes are extremely high, not only because they are more delicate than adult teeth, but because any damage done to a child’s teeth can cause painful or expensive repercussions later on in life. That is why here at Smith Family Dentistry, WV we pride ourselves on our holistic view of dentistry by taking care of our patient's teeth from a young age and preparing them for a life-long beautiful smile with high-quality early care. Find out what J. Christopher Smith, your dentist in Charleston, WV, recommends you do to protect your child’s teeth at this critical stage in their dental development.

The Trouble With Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits to stick with your child after infancy and while it may be cute, it also poses a danger to the proper eruption of their adult teeth. Excessive sucking or sucking that continues past the age of 4 can permanently change the position of your child’s teeth, which can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, and jaw problems down the line! Luckily, Smith Family Dentistry in WV provides easy solutions to thumb sucking that are painless and highly effective.

Chewing, Biting, and Nervous Habits

It can be deeply relaxing for children to have something in their mouths in moments of stress, anxiety, or loneliness, but these habits can wear down your child’s enamel, exposing their teeth directly to bacteria and decay. Whether your child is gnawing on pencils, chewing on their clothes, or simply biting their nails, it's important to find a way to help them cope with stress in a way that does not damage their teeth. Talk to your local dentist in Charleston WV to find out how to avoid the damage that chewing can cause.

Mouthguards Are Essential!

If your child is interested in competing in high school sports, if they grind their teeth at night, or even if they like to play rough with their friends, a mouthguard is an essential part of protecting your child’s teeth! It's important to find a mouthguard that fits your child comfortably so they can feel at ease wearing it which is why Dr. J. Christopher Smith provides comfortable and adaptable mouthguards for children of all ages.

Visit Your Local Dentist in Charleston, WV

The easiest way to make sure your child’s teeth remain healthy for the rest of their life is to make regular visits to Smith Family Dentistry in WV for a checkup and cleaning. Dr. J. Christopher Smith and his team of highly trained staff will evaluate your child’s teeth and let you know if we see any developing problems or dental conditions. Contact Smith Family Dentistry in WV to learn more or to schedule an appointment!