Smile with Confidence: A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Health and Care

Tag: clean teeth

team of dentists at a practice

Dental Office Tooth Whitening

A white smile has always been important, but it seems like it’s getting more important every day. Even though most of us spend more time on the computer these days, because of the very social nature of the Internet, having a bright, white smile has become one of the most vital assets we have today. But what do you do if your teeth are dull, yellowed, or even brown? Well, you probably don’t smile nearly as much as you’d like and that’s just not acceptable, especially since dental office whitening procedures are more affordable than ever. But that’s not all. Today, there are so many effective tooth-whitening methods available to patients throughout the country that happen right in the chair of your family dentist, and that means you know you can trust their safety and results. Following is more information on the most popular and effective dental office tooth whitening procedures available.

Does Thumb Sucking Damage Teeth?

“Do all kids suck their thumb, or is my kid unusual?” asks a worried mom, but the pediatrician assures her it is normal for most babies and toddlers to suck their thumbs, in fact, they also like to suck on their fingers, hands, or items such as pacifiers, especially while they are teething.  Generally, most children stop sucking their thumb on their own at age 3 to 6 years.

For adults, who are taught at an early age to keep germy hands off the face, especially during cold and flu season, the idea of thumb-sucking and the spread of germs is pretty horrifying, especially if you are a germaphobe.

Why do Babies Suck Their Thumbs?

Babies have a natural urge to suck, and this urge usually decreases after the age of 6 months.  Many babies continue sucking their thumbs as a means to soothe themselves and continue the habit as toddlers, as a means to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or are bored.

How Long Is It “Socially Acceptable” For a Child to Suck Their Thumb?