As a parent, it is your job to make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and in good condition with regular dental cleanings. Even though a child’s baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, practicing proper oral health habits from an early age is essential for the wellbeing of any child. With specialty dental services, you can rest assured that your child is receiving the dental care services that he needs. From emergency dentistry procedures to dental braces and more, your dentist can offer a complete range of services for your child. To help you care for your child’s teeth, here is an overview of some of the most common

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Some parents are surprised to learn that tooth decay can occur as early as a child’s infancy. Cavities that form during early childhood are generally categorized as baby bottle tooth decay. When an infant drinks too many sugary beverages, such as juice or even plain milk, he or she can develop a cavity. If the cavity becomes abscessed, a serious infection could occur.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a comforting activity for many young children. While thumb sucking is a normal behavior for any child, serious dental problems can arise if a child is allowed to suck his thumb past the age of 5. As a child’s teeth are developing, constant thumb sucking can cause alignment issues or event a permanent overbite.

Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is a behavior that is commonly seen in younger children. When a child swallows, he or she may be tempted to aid the swallowing process by placing his or her tongue against the top row of teeth. Repeated thrusting of the tongue can create an overbite or other tooth alignment problems. For help keeping your child’s teeth healthy for his lifetime, you will want to set up routine dental exams at your local dentist’s office.