Thumbsucking and Oral Health

 If your child has a thumbsucking habit and you're concerned about their oral health, let Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ be your partners in addressing the issue.

 

Can Thumbsucking Really Impact My Child’s Oral Health?

Seeing a little one suck on their thumb or finger doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people, but you might hear others say that they need to stop it before they mess up their teeth. Which school of thought is correct? Can thumbsucking really impact oral health or is this a myth?

The truth is that thumbsucking can cause issues, but it really depends on the child’s actual habits. For example, if your little one really is little and their teeth have yet to come in, you shouldn’t worry. In fact, experts state that as long as the habit is broken by the time they’re seven, their teeth should be able to correct themselves if any issues form.

Another factor is the force with which they suck on their thumb. Many children simply hold their thumbs in their mouths but don’t actually suck on them. This is unlikely to cause any harm. However, those that vigorously suck on their thumb might experience dental problems.

 

What Side Effects Can Thumbsucking Have On Oral Health?

If your child’s habit does cause problems, the most likely one is a bite issue, such as an overbite. It can also make changes to the roof of the mouth and the shape of the jaw, which can cause problems with their speech.

If you feel your child’s thumbsucking habit is causing problems but don’t know how to break it, talk to Dr. Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ. They’ll be happy to help guide you and your child through the process.

 

 

Put your mind and your child’s thumbsucking habits to rest with the help of Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ. Schedule an oral health appointment by texting (623) 232-0749 for the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.

Dental Phobia in Children

 If your child suffers from dental phobia, taking them to the dentist can be a very difficult task. Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ are experienced in managing these issues and will partner with you to create the most pleasant experience.

 

What Is Dental Phobia in Kids?

Fear of going to the dentist is an issue that affects both children and adults. When your child experiences it, you might find dental visits to be a less than pleasurable experience. They might cry, start shaking, act out, and do anything they can to get out of it. You might find that they scream when the dentist touches them – even if he’s doing nothing but looking inside their mouth. And such a response can make you both dread the next dentist appointment.

 

What Can I Do To Help My Child?

Though the situation can be difficult, you are not helpless. There are several steps you can take to make it a bit easier for you both.

Understand the Difference Between a Phobia and Anxiety

Dental phobia and dental anxiety are completely different. Anxiety is common and can usually be managed with a few steps. Dental phobia is due to irrational fears and can make your child physically ill. If you’re dealing with a phobia, you might need to seek help from a therapist.

Follow Good Hygiene at Home

Dental anxiety can be exacerbated when drills and needles come into play. By keeping your children’s teeth clean, you reduce the likelihood of them having to have fillings or other work done that could add to their current fears.

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists like Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ are specifically trained to manage young children and all that entails. They typically have a kid-friendly environment set up and know how to manage outbursts. Even if your child breaks into a crying fit, you can rest assured that it’s not the first time they’ve seen it. It’s not going to bother them, so you shouldn’t feel any shame.

Make Dental Days Fun Days

Consider heading to the park or out for a milkshake after their appointment. This will help them associate enjoyment with dental days.

 

 

If your child suffers from dental phobia or anxiety, let Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ help. Schedule an appointment by texting (623) 232-0749 for the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.

Does My Child Need a Tooth Extracted?

 If you’re wondering if your child really needs a tooth extraction, Dr. John Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ is happy to discuss all potential solutions with you and ensure that an extraction is the right fit for the situation.

 

Do Children Really Need Tooth Extractions?

If you’ve been told that your child needs a tooth extraction, you’re likely wondering why. Baby teeth fall out, so why would they need them extracted? You don’t want your child to go through any more pain than is necessary, so it’s completely understandable that you’re asking such a question.

It’s important to understand that tooth extractions are a last resort. A dentist will not recommend this procedure if there is any other way to address the issue. However, there are times when no other solution will work and extractions must be done.

 

4 Common Reasons Children Need Tooth Extractions

One of the most common reasons children have teeth extracted is that there is an infection or abscess beneath the tooth. Leaving the infection alone can be dangerous, so measures have to be taken to address it.

Severe cavities are another common reason for tooth extractions in kids. When a cavity is addressed in time, Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ can typically remove the cavity and cover the tooth with a filling or crown.

However, these treatments require that a certain amount of healthy tooth structure be present. When a cavity is severe, there might not be enough of the tooth left for a simple fix.

Your child might also need teeth extracted if they have more teeth than space for those teeth to fit – a condition known as overcrowding. When this occurs, it can impact the health of their teeth as well as their ability to eat and speak properly.

Lastly, if your child needs to get orthodontic work done, such as braces, some teeth may need to be removed. This is to ensure that the braces can work as they need to and provide the best results.

 

If you have concerns about an extraction or would like a second opinion, Dr. Graneto is here to help. You can schedule an appointment at any of the three convenient Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ. Text (623) 232-0749 for an appointment at the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.