Teeth Are NOT Tools!
All children go through a stage in their oral development where they suck on, bite, chew, and sometimes swallow things like toys, paper, and anything else that can put their hands on. For the developing child, mouth-feel is another way of exploring the world around them and to placate their curiosity. However, chewing on random items not only poses a danger to their health but also to their dental development. Here at Carolina Smiles Dentistry, our staff is trained specifically how to work with children and provide nurturing pediatric dental care for the unique needs of your child.
Teeth Are Not Designed To Be:
- Nut Crackers. It may be hard to believe, but human teeth are not designed to crack open the hard exterior of food items like walnuts and pecans. Use a metal nutcracker instead to open shelled seeds so that your child does not use their teeth to do so.
- Scissors. Incisors are not designed to cut, but to slice. Using teeth to cut puts stress on the teeth, and depending on the item, can also put pressure on the gum line. Instruct children to use child-safe cutlery to cut into food items, instead of doing so with their teeth.
- Bottle Openers. No one should ever be biting into metal or plastic materials. Metal materials are much harder than the teeth’s dentin and can seriously damage it. Teach children how to use bottle openers, or parents can open up bottles prior to giving them to children.
Make it a habit of reminding children that their teeth are not tools, but are only for eating and chewing. If you think that your child should be beyond the stage of oral fixations, contact Carolina Smiles Dentistry today.
Our office specializes in children and teen oral health care. Children will find the underwater theme in our office particularly intriguing and inviting. Our goal is to make sure the dentist office is a positive experience for young children while instilling in them good oral hygiene habits they can take with them throughout adulthood. We encourage you to schedule an appointment for your child with us today at (919) 620-6700.
