From the moment your child is born, you do everything possible to make sure he or she is happy, healthy, and achieving their dreams. What if we told you that this can be accomplished with closer attention to their teeth? There are lesser-known threats to your children’s teeth than candy. Make yourself aware of these bad guys to give your toddlers a chance to stay cavity-free, and develop strong teeth.

Common Threats to Kids’ Healthy Teeth

• Baby bottle decay – Bottles are soothing and nurturing, but not necessarily safe. While it’s fine for tots to use their bottles during the day, it’s dangerous for them to fall asleep sucking on them. The milk remaining present in their mouths throughout the night gives rise to tooth decay, requiring dental treatment at a young age (which can lead to the formation of dental anxiety). It’s always best to avoid the first filling as long as possible!
• Pacifiers and thumb sucking – Crooked teeth come about from a few different causes – some unavoidable (like genetics), and some more easily prevented. If your toddler continues to suck their thumb or use a pacifier after the age of four, they’re at risk of changing the alignment of their front teeth, and also being targeted by their peers. Helping them quit the habit before that age will help you avoid braces down the line.
• Sippy cups – They keep drinks from spilling, and seem pretty benign – but sippy cups can be hazardous. If your child tends to move through the day with a sippy cup in their mouth, they risk cuts and other damage to their faces. Talk to your kids about being careful not to spend too much time with their mouths around the cups, and only use them when drinking, not as a comfort object.

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