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When is the right time to start orthodontic treatment? The best timing for treatment varies for every person. These four questions will help determine a good timeframe for you or your loved one.

Do You Have a “Bad Bite”?

Orthodontic treatment not only moves crooked teeth so they are beautiful and straight, it corrects major bite problems. Although “bad bites” can seem subtle, and may not present noticeable symptoms, a bite that doesn’t fit well together can result in long-term consequences. A few symptoms of bite problems are:

• Tooth Pain – When it comes to your bite, even a fraction of a millimeter can irritate a nerve and cause tooth pain.
• TMJ Pain – If you have a hard time opening your mouth or have significant pain during jaw movement, you may have TMJ problems.
• Muscular pain –Headaches with an unexplainable source may be caused by bite issues.
• Tooth wear – Significant wear can occur if teeth do not fit together properly.
• Gum wear – If your bite is off, the gums and supporting bone can prematurely wear.

Prevention by correcting your bite early is the best option. Even if these symptoms are not present now, your bite is something that can be off for a while and not cause a lot of problems—until it does. Dealing with bite issues proactively is much less painful, may take less effort, and can be less expensive than dealing with bite problems later.

What is Your Sleep Like?

Sleep apnea is catching the attention of more and more medical professionals. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person will temporarily stop breathing while he or she is sleeping. Repetitive bouts of not breathing, called episodes, can cause serious health problems. Sleep apnea left untreated over time is now believed to be a significant factor in premature death as well as many other health issues.

There are several types of sleep apnea, the most common and most treatable being obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. A very common symptom of OSA is snoring. If snoring is present with repeated bouts during which it appears the person is holding his or her breath, seek an evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea. An expander can be a very effective, and sometimes life-changing, treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

How Many Teeth Do You Have?

The correct number of teeth for an adult is thirty-two, and it is not unusual for people to have missing or extra teeth. Both the presence and absence of the correct number of permanent teeth are important factors in orthodontic treatment.

Missing or extra teeth are often diagnosed for the first time in the orthodontist’s office.

X-rays used by general dentists do not provide as wide of a view as a panoramic x-ray or a 3-D cone-beam computed tomography scan (CBCT) used at the orthodontist.

Having extra teeth causes the other teeth to develop out of place and often leads to crowding, rotations, and impacted teeth. Because extra teeth can cause lots of unwanted trouble, early screening is key. Two-phase treatment is oftentimes necessary to undo the issues caused by extra teeth.

Missing teeth are more common than extra teeth. While it is very important to identify that teeth are missing, treatment is typically not initiated until all other permanent teeth have grown in. The management of missing teeth is a difficult and complicated topic, so early identification and management will help with developing an appropriate treatment plan to achieve the best results.

How Old Are You?

If you have young children, I recommended having them screened at age seven or eight so an orthodontist can look for some of these problems that require early intervention. Most of the time, your child will be told to wait until they are older to start treatment. But, some may have the above-mentioned problems calling for earlier help.

If you are an adult considering orthodontic treatment, it is never too late. More and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to help create the smiles they have always dreamed of. And, fortunately, modern orthodontics offer many cosmetic options.

Choosing the best orthodontic provider, office and treatment plan for you or your loved ones can be a difficult decision. With an infinite amount of information available to consumers at the click of a button, the choices of care are endless. One Google search may leave your head spinning.

Here are the five things you need to do when visiting an orthodontist and considering treatment:

1. Check their credentials and experience.

It takes years of training to be able to treat orthodontic cases well. It’s important to find a provider who consistently and continually—over the course of years, not days or weekends—pursues education and training.  A qualified provider will have gone through a full-time, accredited residency. They will provide the highest possible level of orthodontic care. During your visit, ask to look at before-and-after photos. Most doctors who have treated many cases will keep books of before-and-after photos and can show you photos of cases like yours. The goal is to determine the training level of your future orthodontic provider.

2. Pay close attention to the numbers.

It may not be wise to choose the cheapest provider out there, but it is important to analyze the cost of treatment.

Most offices will offer several payment options, so make sure to ask the office manager about flexible financing. If you’re able to pay in full, you’ll typically save a small percentage. If you choose to make a down payment and take on one to two years of monthly payments, watch for surprise charges for missing a payment.

Be wary of other hidden fees. Many offices offer low prices up front but hit you with fees later in treatment, making the total cost much higher. Fees for broken brackets, missed appointments, and cancellations and extra charges for retainers and the like can dramatically increase your total cost.

3. Ask more about their treatment plan.

In addition to straightening crooked teeth, the treatment plan should be focused on correcting your bite. Many patients, and unfortunately many dental providers, do not have a concept of how important the bite is to overall dental health. If you have crooked teeth, you likely also have a bite problem, and you will benefit greatly from having any bite problems corrected. You may not notice an issue now but, sooner or later, unnoticed bite problems will catch up with you. Although “bad bites” can seem subtle, and may not present noticeable symptoms, a bite that doesn’t fit well together can result in long-term consequences like tooth pain, TMJ, muscular pain, tooth wear, and gum wear.

When talking about their treatment plan, if your doctor recommends pulling any permanent teeth, you should seek to understand why and if there is a better option. Removal of permanent teeth is more of a last resort than a treatment of choice. And, unless this is a “last resort” case, a doctor may be recommending extractions when modern orthodontic techniques could treat equally or better, without removing your permanent teeth.

4. Get a second opinion before you start treatment.

When shopping for an orthodontist, many people think they are all exactly alike, but they absolutely are not.  There are different levels of skill, commitment, and expertise and there is a spectrum of orthodontic cases, from simple all the way to very, very difficult. Not all doctors are created equal. Most orthodontic exams are free, all you invest in a second opinion is your time, so it is wise to get a second opinion. Once you have visited several orthodontic specialists and get opinions that are consistent, chances are that the treatment plan is in your best interest.

5. Most importantly, use your gut!

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be a scary or unpleasant experience. In fact, I believe it can be fun! Look for personal touches, a helpful staff, and a well-run office to see how much they truly care about making your experience special. Each visit should leave you with something to smile about.

It can be overwhelming to select an orthodontist for your family. There seem to be so many; where should you start? I’ve got the top 5 questions you want to ask when choosing your new orthodontist.

Question 1: Is he or she actually an orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. If you or your child needs treatment to address misaligned teeth, a bad bite, or underlying jaw issues, your best bet is to work with an orthodontist, as they have extensively trained and practiced in those areas.

You can easily determine if someone is an orthodontist (rather than a dentist who offers orthodontic treatment) by asking if they provide other services besides orthodontics. If they do teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, or any other dental procedures, they are not a specialist and, therefore, not an orthodontist.

Question 2: Does this orthodontist have a good reputation?

Time to get Googling. Search the name of the orthodontist you’re considering and see what comes up. You can find reviews and testimonials from patients on the ortho’s Facebook page, Google page, Yelp (make sure to look at all reviews posted including the ‘hidden’ reviews), and Healthgrades. After et a thorough internet search, ask around for personal recommendations. Friends and family can be great resources and provide you valuable insight from personal experiences.

Question 3: Does this orthodontist have the expertise I need?

An orthodontist may have excellent reviews, awards, and the support of peers, but not be the right orthodontist for you.

You want one who has the expertise, experience, and technology to address the issues that you and your family need taking care of. If, say, you need help with sleep apnea brought on by TMD, you should look for an orthodontist who has experience treating TMD and the jaw joint, rather than an orthodontist whose practice is mainly straightening teeth with clear aligners.

You can usually find out what an orthodontist specializes in by reading their bio on their website and looking at the services offered. Again, reviews from patients can help, too. If you’re still uncertain, simply ask the orthodontist themselves.

Question 4: Can I pay for treatment at this orthodontist’s office?

There are two parts to this: “Can I afford this treatment?” and “Can I pay in a way that works for me?”

First, get a quote. Ask if the fee is all-inclusive. If it isn’t, ask what other common costs come up during treatment, and what they will set you back. Additional things that often come up include broken braces and appliances, prolonged treatment, retainers, refinements for Invisalign, canceled appointment fees, and more. Beware of the lowest price around. Some offices quote low prices cost to get you in the door, but the final price is much higher after all the add-on fees are applied during treatment.

As for how to pay, look at all your options. Dental insurance, FSAs, and HSAs are the first place to start. Many offices offer no-interest payment plans or long-term, low-interest payment plans to make it easier on patients and their families. Many offices offer 0% financing. Third-party financing services like Care Credit and Springstone also offer 0% financing, but be careful of the terms; if you miss one payment, you may be penalized steeply.

Remember that, as with most things, “you get what you pay for.” Offices with very low prices may have outdated technology, second-rate braces and appliances, and hidden fees. If you see a price that’s “too good to be true,” it probably is.

Question 5: Can I commit to this orthodontist’s office long-term?

This may seem like a strange question, but what I mean by it is, how will it fit into your life? Depending on the orthodontic treatment you or your child needs, there may be several office visits in your future, as your ortho checks on progress. It’s important to consider other factors that may not seem extremely important at first, such as location, parking, hours, ease of making and rescheduling appointments, and friendliness of front-desk staff. Convenience and warmth matter to the overall experience.

Also, many patients do think to ask, ‘How long will treatment take?’ Also, make sure to ask, ‘How many visits will it take to finish treatment?’. Your time is very valuable, be sure to consider the overall time commitment you will be making for required treatment visits. Choosing more advanced technology may save you many trips to the office and, subsequently, many hours of your time.

Taking Your Time to Get It Right

Unlike a filling or a root canal that can be done in an afternoon, orthodontic treatment typically takes longer, so you want to get it right. Ask these questions, do your research, and you’ll find the right orthodontist for you soon enough.

In an ideal world, every orthodontist would be trained to the top of their profession and have the skills to provide the exact top-quality, compassionate care you need. In the real world, however, that’s not the case. Providers of orthodontic care can vary greatly in expertise and quality of care they provide. As the patient who is ultimately in charge of your own health, it’s up to you to know how to discern the difference between great and less-than-stellar ones in selecting an orthodontist for your family. Here’s what to look for when choosing a great orthodontist.

Look for Education and Training in Orthodontics

This may be an obvious point, but it’s an important one. In most cases, if you’re seeking orthodontic care, it’s best to get that from an orthodontist.

Let’s take a step back and look at what an orthodontist is, and how an orthodontist is different from a dentist. A dentist has completed dental school and provides routine and ongoing dental care to patients such as fillings, crowns, extractions, and more. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two-year or three-year residency program in orthodontics, studying teeth alignment, the jaw, the bite, the anatomy of the face and head, and treatment options to address a variety of related problems.

While an orthodontist has the specialized training in this area, some dentists offer limited orthodontic care in their practices. They may have had a weekend course in orthodontics, and therefore feel comfortable presenting themselves as an expert in orthodontics to their patients.

But clearly a weekend course is no match for a multi-year residency. While some patients may have their orthodontic needs adequately met by a dentist, most others will need the advanced knowledge and expertise of a trained orthodontist.

Look at Expertise, Experience, and Results

Now that you understand the difference in training between dentists and orthodontists, it’s time to understand the difference between individual orthodontists.

While they all receive essentially the same education in their orthodontics residency, individual orthodontists may choose to specialize as they develop their practice. They may focus on serving a particular population, such as pre-teens or older adults, or a type of treatment, like Invisalign, or a related medical condition, like TMD or sleep apnea. As an orthodontist continues to specialize, he or she becomes better in their niche, and achieves better results.

As a patient, you should choose an orthodontist whose expertise and experience matches your needs. Ask about results. Many orthodontists have albums full of before-and-after photos they’d love for you to look at.

Look for Intangibles

Finally, there are other things that set some orthodontists apart from others. These are things that have less to do with the actual treatment and outcome and more to do with the experience you have from start to finish.

Convenience: Whether the office is close to you and maintains hours that work with your family’s schedules.

Affordability: This does not mean lower prices for orthodontic care, it just means affordable for your family. Consider whether an orthodontist takes your insurance, if you have it, or whether they allow payments that suit you.

“Bedside Manner”: How the doctor, the orthodontic team, and the front office staff treat you and your family. Most orthodontists I know are in this business because they care about their patients and want to make a difference in their lives. If you don’t believe your orthodontist feels this way about you or your family, then find another orthodontist you connect with.

Finding the right one for you

The orthodontist for your family is one with the right training, experience, and intangibles that match your family’s needs. Hopefully this blog will help you when it comes time to choosing the right one for you. To learn more about what a top-notch orthodontist is looking out for, check out my article, Why A Great Orthodontist Looks At The Bite, First.

There’s a growing trend in orthodontic care: the “holistic orthodontist.”

As an orthodontist myself, one who does not use the “holistic” label, I want to clear up some confusion about what it means to be  “holistic orthodontist.” You may have heard this term and wondered what “holistic orthodontics” is and if ti’s right for you. Read on to learn more about what’s real — and what’s a myth.

Holistic Myth: “Holistic Orthodontics” Means the Same Thing to Every Orthodontist

Holistic Bust: The Term is Not Defined or Regulated

I put “holistic orthodontics” in quotation marks because the term is not one that’s widely defined by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) or any other authoritative body. While an orthodontist is someone who has completed dental school and an orthodontics residency, adding the word “holistic” in front of it doesn’t mean anything in particular. It’s essentially a marketing term that some orthodontists use to attract certain clients, and it can mean different things to each person. Same with “integrative” or “functional,” two other terms that are growing in popularity.

Holistic Myth: Only Holistic Orthodontists Look at Whole Body-Oral Health Connection

Holistic Bust: ‘Regular’ Orthodontists Understand This Vital Connection, Too

Holistic orthodontists typically tout their focus on whole body health. They stress the fact that they consider not just the alignment of teeth, but also the underlying jaw, bone, and anatomy of the face, and how that affects the whole body. They understand how orthodontic care can help with issues like sleep apnea, snoring, temporomandibular joint disorders, headaches, and other seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Guess what — ‘regular’ orthodontists do this, too! Our training is in this area, and part of what separates us from family dentists is our deep knowledge on how the mouth and surrounding anatomy connect to the rest of the body. Some orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, TMD, and other disorders, whether they call themselves “holistic” or not. If these are issues you want treated, it’s best to look for experience and expertise rather than labels.

Holistic Myth: Only Holistic Orthodontists Try to Avoid Extractions

Holistic Bust: More and More Orthodontists Avoid Extractions Whenever Possible

For many years, removing teeth in order to have “room” in the mouth to straighten teeth was a very common practice in orthodontics; by some estimates, up to 75% of orthodontic cases involved an extraction.

But these days, as technology and treatment options have improved, there’s less of a need to remove teeth. Many orthodontists, not just “holistic” ones, consider extraction a last resort. In my practice, for instance, extractions are necessary in less than 1% of cases. I even recommend patients whose orthodontist suggests having a tooth permanently removed to get a second opinion.

Holistic Myth: “Holistic Orthodontists” Are Green

Holistic Bust: “Holistic” Is Not The Same As “Green”

There’s an assumption that a holistic orthodontist will also be one who cares about the environment, and that may often be the case, but they are not one and the same. Furthermore, many regular orthodontists consider themselves “green.”

Again, there’s no standard definition for this, so it can take on many forms, including how green the office is in terms of energy efficiency, how equipment and materials are sourced and disposed of or recycled, what types of materials are used in treatment, and more. If these things are important to you, ask your current or prospective orthodontist in what ways their office is green. They may not advertise it on their website, but it may be just as important to them as it is to you.

Is a “Holistic Orthodontist” Right for You?

I’m not trying to “bust” any orthodontists who call themselves “holistic,” I just want patients to understand what that term actually means. No one should jeopardize their dental care based on false assumptions. In the end, what really matters is finding an orthodontist whose education, experience, and practice you like and trust, whether they do or don’t call themselves “holistic.” Remember, there was a long while where the label ‘fat free’ implied healthier. Now we know these products are often not healthy and the label was simply a way to generate more sales. When looking into orthodontics, be sure to do your homework.

Orthodontists are dentists who have gone through additional training after dental school learning about the mechanics of the jaw and teeth, including alignment, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the bite, or the way top and bottom teeth fit together. Some orthodontists look at tooth alignment first, but in my opinion, a great orthodontist is one who looks at the bite first. Why? Because the bite is a foundation of good oral health. A misaligned bite can lead to tooth pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, jaw muscle (this also can be labeled TMJ) pain, tooth wear, and gum recession.

That’s why great orthodontists look at bite first. They know that by addressing issues with the bite, they can take care of other issues or symptoms. No sense building a beautiful house on a poor foundation.

Here’s more detail on why.

A Bad Bite Harms the Teeth

When your bite is bad, you may experience that as toothache. It takes a just a fraction of a millimeter of being “off” for it to cause you pain.

Causing even more long-term damage, however, is wear to the tooth’s surface that results from a bad bite. When the bite is off, the top and bottom teeth don’t fit well together. Imagine a gear where the cogs don’t line up; as the gear turns, the cogs rub together and wear away prematurely. It’s the same with your teeth when you have a bad bite. The protective outer layer, the enamel, wears away, exposing the vulnerable dentin underneath. Once this happens, simple fillings are usually not enough to fix the tooth. More complicated and expensive restorative dental work becomes necessary.

A Bad Bite Is Bad For Gums

This one might be surprising, because it’s hard to see the connection at first between the bite and the gums. But a bad bite, which can happen when teeth are even slightly “off,” wears away the gum tissue, leading to gingival recession. Abfraction, or notching of the teeth at the gumline, is another symptom. Both of these symptoms are common in adults over 25 with misaligned bites. When the gums recede too much, they need correction, which can be expensive and invasive to fix.

As a bonus, I’ll add that a bad bite not only wears away the gums, but the underlying bone, too. Just another reason to have an orthodontist look at your bite.

A Bad Bite Hurts the Jaw Joint and Can Cause Pain

A bad bite from a misaligned jaw can often lead to pain in the jaw joint, or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Problems with this joint are called TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorders.

The reason TMD is so bad is that it can lead to a variety of symptoms like “clicking” or “popping” noises, pain in the jaw, or in some cases, inability to open or close the mouth properly. It can also cause symptoms outside the mouth area, including headaches and pain in the shoulders, neck, and back, and much more, which originate from muscle pain. Unexplained headaches, including migraine headaches, are a common symptom of TMD, particularly early in the morning.

Orthodontists are well-equipped to address this type of “unexplained” pain, which often has a clear explanation, as they are exquisitely trained in the anatomy of the head and neck.

A Great Orthodontist Starts with the Foundation

Imagine a builder comes to your home to fix your wall and puts up plaster, when the real problem is wood rot underneath. The wall may look nice from the outside, but it’s just covering up the real problem, which will only get worse.

It’s the same thing with orthodontic care and the bite. A good orthodontist knows that the bite should be addressed first, or else other problems may emerge or get worse over time.

Oral care for kids can be a tricky thing. How do you know if your child is brushing his teeth correctly? You want him to learn to be self-sufficient and brush on his own, but at the same time you want to make sure he’s doing it right. Fortunately, there are a few signs you can look for that indicate your child isn’t brushing his teeth properly.

#1 Brushing is over too quickly

No sooner do you send your little one off to the bathroom to brush her teeth then she comes right back out, declaring “All done!” This is a sure sign she’s not brushing right.

Brushing teeth – even baby teeth, and even when there’s not a full set – should take at least two minutes. It takes a while to get all the tooth surfaces and gums. If her time with her toothbrush is super short, you know it’s wrong.

#2 A coated tongue

Ask him to stick his tongue out at you. What color is it? A clean tongue is pink and fresh looking. A tongue that hasn’t been cleaned, however, may look white or yellow. When the tongue isn’t cleaned, it can develop a coating of dead cells and bacteria. Yuck. Fortunately, it’s easy for your child to get rid of – all he has to do is brush!

#3 Bad breath

That bacteria covering the tongue? That can lead to stinky breath. So can plaque build-up and food particles caught between teeth. If your little one’s breath is on the foul side, you know she’s not brushing correctly. Fresh breath comes from a clean mouth.

#4 Bleeding gums

Gums tend to bleed when they’re not in great shape. Whether your child is flossing his teeth on his own, or you’re still doing it for him, lookout for the telltale sign of blood after flossing. It’s a sign that gums need some TLC.

Flossing regularly will help get gums into shape, and so will correct brushing technique. Make sure your child knows how to brush along the gumline to get rid of bacteria and build-up. As gums get healthier, they’ll stop bleeding.

#5 Cavities

Another sign your child isn’t bushing right is when the dentist discovers decay. A cavity may call for better brushing technique or more frequent brushing. Discuss with your dentist what to focus on to keep her teeth healthy – and avoid more cavities in the future.

Whether your child loves brushing his teeth or not – and many children do not – it’s an essential part of the daily routine. Oral health is too important to ignore, not just because it’s important to a healthy smile, but because it’s a critical component of overall health, too. Knowing that, it’s vital to encourage good oral hygiene habits in your child as early as possible. Here’s some things you can try to make that happen.

Start On Time

Children can be expected to start brushing on their own around age 6, which is around the age that they’re coordinated enough to tie their own shoelaces. Before that, you will need to brush your child’s teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, including once before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste and a child-sized brush.

Likewise, you’ll need to floss your child’s teeth until he’s old enough to do it himself. You can expect to start flossing for him as soon as two teeth touch, which occurs around the age of 2, and until he can do it on his own, anywhere between 7-10 years old.

Show That It’s Important

Reinforce the idea that having clean, healthy teeth is important. Do this by modeling good behavior. Your child should know that you brush and floss regularly; it’s even better if she sees you doing it.

She should understand that taking care of our teeth is something we are in control of and is important for healthy teeth, a beautiful smile, and good overall health.

Make It Fun

For little ones who refuse to brush, parents can get creative and do what it takes to make the process fun. What works best depends on your child, but some ideas to try include:

Grab your toothbrush and join in! Brush side-by-side. This also helps reinforce the idea, as above, that brushing is important.

Get a fun toothbrush and toothpaste. Let him pick out the one he likes best, whether that’s in his favorite color or has a character he likes on it. Likewise, there are plenty of kid-friendly fluoride toothpastes that get the job done but come in fun flavors and colors.

Play a special song each time she brushes her teeth – one that lasts about two minutes – and have her brush the whole time the song is on.

Develop a rewards system. A simple chart with a sticky star for every time he brushes his teeth can be very effective!

Follow up brushing with a fun activity your child enjoys. She’ll come to understand that after brushing, she gets to play with a particular toy, or have a 5-minute dance party, or hear story time.

Make It Routine

At the end of the day, whether brushing is fun or not, it’s something that has to happen. Once your child learns that this is a non-negotiable part of the daily routine, he won’t argue anymore. It can take a while to get there, but the reward is a strong foundation of an important habit that will last a lifetime.

Child see, child do. Kids are great at modeling our behavior. That’s why it’s important to model good habits when it comes to oral hygiene. When your child sees you engaging in bad habits, he may be more likely to copy them. Here are some bad oral health habits to watch out for so you don’t pass them on to the next generation:

Skipping brushing after meals…

You tell your child all the time how important it is to brush after meals. If that’s true, then why don’t you do it? Get into the habit and make a point to tell your child that you’re going to brush your teeth. Your child needs to know that this is something you do regularly, especially after sugary snacks and drinks.

…And forgetting the floss

Ditto for flossing. Your child needs to see that you floss and that you do it regularly.

Sharing your toothbrush

Sharing is a lesson we want to teach our children – except when it comes to toothbrushes! Your child should know that it’s never ok to share toothbrushes with anyone else. So don’t get caught doing it.

Using a gross, old toothbrush

Has your toothbrush seen better days? Are the bristles are worn down and splayed? No good. Not only are frayed bristles not effective at cleaning, they may actually hurt the enamel. Plus, an old toothbrush may harbor gross bacteria… so instead of making teeth cleaner, you’re making them filthier.

Don’t let your little one see you using an old toothbrush. If your toothbrush is old, it’s time for a replacement.

Biting your fingernails

There are lots of reasons not to chew on your fingernails. First off, it makes your fingernails look raggedy. It’s also a great way to bring nasty bacteria from dirty hands straight into your mouth. Finally, it’s bad for your teeth! The constant stress from frequent nail biting can lead to chips and cracks. Break the habit.

Chewing on pens, pencils, etc.

Your teeth are for chewing food and gum, not pens, pen caps, pencils, straws, etc. Using your teeth for things it wasn’t designed for can cause hairline cracks, wear away at the tooth surface, and even cause broken teeth.

Skip the ice, too – yes, it’s food, but it can cause cracked and chipped teeth and can damage the dental work you have, like fillings and crowns. (Note that excessive ice chewing is a sign of anemia, or low blood iron. If you chew ice and can’t stop, talk to your doctor about the possibility of low iron levels.)

Using teeth as a tool

Don’t let your child see you ripping open packages or tearing off tags with your teeth. Take the time to go get scissors or a knife and use the tool that was made for the job. As with the point above, using your teeth in a way they weren’t intended can cause damage.

Eating lots of sweets

Sugary snacks, chocolates, caramels… you don’t want your child eating too many of these things, so why are you eating them? As you know, the sugar left on your teeth after eating sweet snacks leads to cavities. (Technically, the sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth that produce the acid that eats away at the enamel. But the end result is the same.)

Smoking

There are many reasons you don’t want your child to smoke, including the health risks, the money, and the smell. Add bad oral health to that list. Smoking is actually very bad for your oral health, and not just because it’s associated with an increase in mouth, throat, and larynx cancers. It’s also a cause of bad breath, discolored teeth, and gum disease. If you still smoke, try to quit – for your sake, and your child’s.

Get into good habits and break your bad habits. After all, when it comes to encouraging good oral health habits in your child, the best thing you can do is be a good role model.