Thumbsucking and Consequences

Thumbsucking has been a reflex for kids to soothe themselves, feel comfortable, secure or happy. Yet this can have some consequences on the child's permanent teeth. Thumbsucking and sucking on a pacifier can have the same consequences such as problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

According to the American Dental Health Association, children usually stop sucking between the ages of two and four years old.

If you would like to help your child stop sucking their thumb, you can try a few things.

• Praise your child for not sucking.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping. 
• We can also offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.

If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, or are concerned about your child’s thumbsucking consult your dentist. If you have any questions, please contact us at (562) 377-1375

Four Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid if You have Braces

Thanksgiving is a great time for family, reflecting on what we are thankful for and of course, celebrating around food. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. Whether it is braces, Invisalign or preventive care, you should always take care of your smile.

If you have braces, there are a few foods you may want to stay away from during Thanksgiving.

1. Uncooked Vegetables - uncooked vegetables, in their raw form are too hard to bite and chew and may damage braces. Instead, cook or steam your vegetables, which will be much softer for your teeth.

2. Corn on the Cob - on the cob, corn can do some damage to braces, but there is no problem if it is cut off. Just be sure to floss, so it does not get stuck to your teeth.

3. Nuts - nuts is an obvious food to avoid because it can damage brackets and cause wires to come loose. Watch out for nuts, often found in pies and other desserts.

4. Caramel - caramel is another obvious dessert to stay away from on Thanksgiving (and beyond during the holidays). It is sticky and can get easily stuck to your braces.

We have been serving patients in Long Beach and surrounding cities for over 30 years. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your children into the Pediatric Dental Specialists family!