As a parent, you persist to care for your child during any hour of the day. When and if they fuss, you respond promptly, attempting to determine what may be wrong if anything. Eventually, the use of pacifiers and bottles to calm your child become a comfort to them, similar to a favorite blanket or a soft toy-animal. As they mature, thumb sucking may take the place of a pacifier, and bottles may be replaced by sippy cups. No matter the progression, Dr. Vi Mai, who offers children’s dentistry, believes it important you understand your child’s oral development to better care for them.
Pacifiers
These nifty plastic devices assist you when your child fusses or feels uncomfortable. If your baby is in need of shots or a blood test, a pacifier usually suffices in calming the child. For babies who have difficulty napping or sleeping, the rubber or plastic nipple inserted into their mouth can soothe them. Babies don’t posses the ability to equalize their own ears, and a pacifier usually helps during flight ascent and descent.
However, A child allowed to utilize a pacifier beyond their toddler years may affect their permanent teeth eruption, resulting in outward slanted teeth. Additionally, your child may develop a dependency for the device when uncomfortable, which could require an extensive weening process.
Thumb Sucking
It is normal for infants and toddlers to suck on their thumbs and fingers. Children usually begin placing their fingers and thumbs in their mouth as soon as they’re aware they exist, and continue until about five years of age. Usually, the child stops thumb sucking on their own, but, if they persist, dental issues like malocclusion (crooked teeth) or speech impediments due to misaligned or ill-formed palates may occur. Thumb sucking beyond the age of six increases the chance of these conditions occurring.
Baby Bottle Syndrome
Do you feed your baby with a bottle? Do they use a bottle prior to naps or falling asleep at night, similar to a pacifier? Depending on the formula or liquid in the bottle, your child may be developing tooth decay. An overabundance of sugar in the child’s mouth could facilitate the growth of bacteria, resulting in baby tooth decay.
Although primary teeth eventually fall out, they pave the way for the permanent teeth later in the child’s oral health maturation. A consistent bottle feeding containing sugary liquids or formulas can be detrimental to your child’s oral health. Also, if you coat your baby’s pacifier with honey or other sugary substance, the effects may be similar to the “baby bottle syndrome.”
About Dr. Vi Mai
Speak with Dr. Vi H. Mai-Truong, DDS today about how you can help your child’s oral development, or you can schedule an appointment with your Garland, TX dentist by calling (972) 530-0552. Also, visit our website to view services, print patient forms, and to read more about our team. We look forward to treating patients from Garland, Richardson, Plano, Sachse, Rowlett, and surrounding cities.
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