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Prolonged use of your child’s ‘binky’, ‘soother’, or ‘pacifier’ can impact the proper growth and development of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.

Due to the sucking action during pacifier use, the roof of the mouth/palate begin to change shape. Instead of the ideal U shape, the roof of the mouth becomes more V-shaped, narrow, and high vaulted. This can lead to:

1. Open bite
2. Tooth crowding
3. Speech issues
4. Esthetic issues (this can lead to bullying and teasing)

Dentists differ on when to eliminate this habit. At Smiling Dental Ancaster we encourage the following…

TO AVOID DENTAL PROBLEMS: 

• Eliminate/wean off soother/pacifier habit as early as possible. The earlier parents start, the less likely there will detrimental effects.
• Avoid letting your child use the soother as an all-day chew toy or night time fun. Frequent and regular use of the pacifier is what leads to unwanted changes in the jaw, muscles and teeth.
• If you are not sure of what to do – talk to us!  We are certified in habit correcting appliances to help with pacifier habit cessation. (see more info below)

DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF or worry about judgment if you have a child that is addicted to their pacifier. We understand. We have kids. We are here to offer a non-judgemental environment and you can always freely ask us anything.

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Contact Pediatric Dentist Ancaster today to book your consultation and get your child started!

As a parent, you’re busy. You have to prepare lunches, get your kids ready and sent to school on time, and remember that there’s piano practice tonight and youth group tomorrow. When you get a message from our dental practice that it’s time to schedule your next dental appointment, you may think you don’t have time to squeeze one in. How could you possibly need to see the dentist again?

You may want to rethink that!

When it comes to dental appointments and the frequency they occur, every schedule should be unique. It is financially beneficial and healthy to attend regular dental appointments based on your individual needs. Your teeth and mouth’s susceptibility to tooth decay is reliant on many factors, including your genetics, diet, and oral health habits. As a result, your neighbor may only need to see the dentist twice each year, but your dentist may recommend you visit every three months.

Many families opt for one or two days out of the year when the entire family is seen for dental cleanings and care. While this is a busy mom’s dream, it could also be detrimental to your children’s oral health. Instead, we will assess the individual health risk of every member of your family and make recommendations for the frequency of cleanings each person needs.

Think about it this way: How much does your child change over the course of a year? At 1 month old, they may start registering sounds and sights, but at 1 year old, most babies are crawling or walking, gabbing away with baby sounds, and exploring their world in ways they never could before. Likewise, your child’s oral health changes rapidly. It’s imperative they see the dentist on a regular basis as established by the dentist Ancaster.

As an adult, your physical growth and development are much different than a child’s. Your individual needs vary as you age and common aging conditions and circumstances take a toll on your oral health. Once again, it’s crucial that you and your dentist establish a timeline that fits your needs and health risk.

Our team can work with you and your family to establish a timeline that fits into your schedule.

Learn more by giving us a call. 289-768-9905

Smiling Dental Ancaster, Ontario

Staying on top of everything your kids need can feel like a near-impossible feat, and it’s easy to sweep a few tasks under the rug. But managing their oral hygiene is a must! Our very own Dr. Meg Ling has a few tips for preparing your kiddos for those ever-important youth dental visits.

Early Bird Gets the Great Oral Hygiene

The later your child begins regularly seeing the dentist in Ancaster, the harder it becomes to prevent onset cavities or infections. When dental professionals are first examining a 1-year-old child’s mouth, the experience is vastly different than when they first examine a 4-year-old child’s mouth, Dr. Meg explains. She recommends bringing children in for their first appointment when they are about 1 year old. The dentist can then establish a good baseline for your child’s smile, and they will be less likely to fear those biannual appointments as they get older.

SURPRISE!

The element of surprise is a tool many parents use to convince their children to do a daunting task. However, this tactic isn’t the best option for the dentist. Your child is going to be naturally curious as they age, so answer their questions, quench those anxieties, and avoid future dental distress by explaining that the dentist wants to take pictures of their teeth (X-rays), count their teeth (regular checkups), and keep their chompers clean (brushing and polishing).

Sweet, Sweet Victory

When it comes to parenting, the ultimate win is when your child is capable of doing daily tasks on their own. If they can put on their pajamas, put their toys away, and pack their backpacks for school, you’re a parenting champion! But when it comes to oral hygiene, don’t be so quick to kick them out of the nest. Dr. Meg recommends brushing your child’s teeth and monitoring oral hygiene habits until they are in junior high school. You cannot expect children under the age of 10 to thoroughly clean their teeth enough to avoid tooth decay. (Check out how messy their bedroom is if you want proof!)

Don’t fret about taking your kids to the Pediatric & Family dentist! Dr. Meg and our dental professionals can help you and your family get the smiles you all deserve!