The Dangers of Childhood Thumb Sucking

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So, your child sucks their thumb—what’s the big deal? Well, it’s a huge deal that could lead to lifelong problems for your child. But don’t worry, yourdentist in Woodbridge, VA, can help!

Childhood Thumb-Sucking is Normal Until It Isn’t

Childhood thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that children use to self-soothe themselves. In other words, thumb-sucking helps comfort your child. However, going on for too long could damage your child’s mouth and teeth.

The Dangers of Childhood Thumb Sucking

Most children will stop sucking their thumb after six months of age. And about 30 percent of children will continue to suck their thumb through preschool. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb after that, it could lead to serious and sometimes permanent damage.

For example:

  • Misaligned Teeth
  • Speech Impediments
  • Open Bite
  • Overbite
  • Social Impacts

How Your Dentist Can Help Stop Your Child’s Thumb Sucking

Your dentist has a variety of tools and techniques that can help stop your child’s thumb-sucking. For example, dentists frequently use a specially designed oral appliance called a tongue crib to stop thumb sucking. A tongue crib (along withearly pediatric dentistry in Woodbridge, VA) uses stiff wires that are placed in your child’s mouth that will obstruct them if they try to suck their thumb.

A tongue crib can be used if all other methods have failed. The tongue crib is extremely effective. And the results will benefit your child for the rest of their life.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Woodbridge, VA?

If your child seems to have a thumb-sucking problem, pleaseContact Niles Dental today. Early intervention is the key to preserving your child’s dental health now and going forward. Let’s work together to ensure your child gets a happy, healthy, lifelong smile.

Important Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

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When you visit the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, you’ll have an opportunity to ask your dentist questions. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can maintain healthy teeth and gums! Knowing what to ask is helpful, so we’ve written some questions that might get the conversation started.

1. Are My Teeth and Gums Healthy?

Most likely, your dentist will communicate with you about how healthy your teeth and gums are. However, asking may help the conversation along. Depending on your dentist’s response, you may feel prompted to ask follow-up questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up and learn more about the status of your oral health.

2. How’s My Oral Hygiene Routine Working?

Your dentist will be able to tell if you’re taking good care of your teeth and gums. By asking if you’re doing a good job brushing and flossing, you open the door for conversation about what could be improved. Your dentist may show you what you can do to brush your teeth better, or may mention where you’re missing places during your usual cleaning routine.

3. What Can I Do To Take Better Care of My Teeth and Gums?

Maybe you should buy an electric toothbrush, or perhaps you need to visit the dentist more frequently. Asking this question gives your dentist an opportunity to tell you what you can do to take better care of your teeth and gums. This will help you get started on the road to excellent oral hygiene.

Want to find out how you can improve your oral health? Call Niles Dental to make a dental appointment in Woodbridge, VA. Our dental professionals are waiting to help you.

When Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Needed and When It’s Not

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Have you talked to your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, about your wisdom teeth? If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist will probably recommend you have them removed. However, there are times when wisdom tooth removal isn’t necessary. Let’s go over both.

When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary

Here are some of the reasons your dentist might recommend wisdom tooth extraction in Woodbridge, VA.

  • Jaw Damage

Sometimes cysts will grow around your wisdom teeth; if they are not removed, they can damage your nerves and hollow out your jaw. In this case, your dentist will recommend having them removed.

  • Damage to Your Other Teeth

If your wisdom teeth don’t grow properly, they could cause bite problems and other oral pain.

  • Cavities

If the gums around your wisdom teeth swell, it could create pockets between your teeth. These pockets enable bacterial growth that could lead to cavities.

  • Alignment Issues

Impacted wisdom teeth will sometimes crowd your other teeth causing alignment problems. This will create the need to have your other teeth straightened. In this case, your Woodbridge, VA dentist will recommend wisdom tooth removal.

When Wisdom Tooth Removal Might Not Be Necessary

Here are a few instances when your dentist will probably tell you that leaving your wisdom teeth in place is OK.

  • If they are healthy.
  • If your wisdom teeth have grown in completely, and will probably not cause future problems.
  • If your wisdom teeth are positioned correctly and they are not causing any bite issues.

However, with that being said, some dentists think it’s best to remove your wisdom teeth regardless of whether they are causing problems. This is to ensure you don’t end up with wisdom teeth issues in the future.

Do You Need a Dentist in Woodbridge, VA?

If you need a dentist in Woodbridge, VA, please Contact Niles Dental today. We are a family practice and have a warm, welcoming, and relaxing environment. And we only use state-of-the-art cutting-edge technology to ensure you get the highest quality dental care available.

What’s Causing My Toothache? What Should I Do?

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A toothache can be an upsetting and overwhelming problem, especially if the problem is severe. If you have a toothache, your dentist in Woodbridge, VA can help. Knowing the potential cause and when to seek help for your toothache will help you take the first step in getting treatment for this problem.

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches occur for many reasons. Sometimes you can tell whether you’re having a serious problem or a temporary inconvenience by the severity of your pain. Below are some of the reasons that toothaches can occur.

  • Cavity. A cavity is an area of decay in the tooth enamel. Cavities can cause minor to significant pain, depending on the severity of the problem. If you have a cavity, you may be able to see the spot on your tooth. Get help from a dentist.
  • Crack in the tooth enamel. A crack in the tooth enamel can cause intermittent pain as you bite down and consume things like cold drinks. A cracked tooth can lead to a problem like an infection down the road, so you should get treatment for this problem.
  • Minor injury to the area. You can cause a minor injury to your gums by chewing a piece of food that gets stuck between your teeth or under your gums. This type of pain is usually not severe and will go away on its own.
  • Infection. An infected tooth can cause a very unpleasant and persistent toothache. An infection in the tooth is a dental emergency.

How Can I Get Rid of My Toothache?

If you have a toothache, you may need a cavity filling or root canal therapy in Woodbridge, VA. Call Niles Dental to make an appointment and get treatment for the problem.