Babies like to suck on things and put things in their mouths. Some babies like to suck their own thumb. Doing this brings them comfort and helps them regulate their emotions.

While there’s nothing wrong with your child doing this at a very young age, eventually it can impact their physical development. Your child’s dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can provide guidance. At Dr. Matt Henry, we help parents take care of our youngest patient’s dental health.

What Is the Problem With Thumb Sucking?

When your baby is young, thumb sucking is not a problem. Many children stop this habit by the time they’re between 2 and 4 years old.

If your child sucks their thumb when they’re five years or older, this could impact the development of their palate or the formation of their teeth. They may eventually need braces.

Many experts recommend that children stop sucking their thumb by the time they’re about five years old. The severity of the problem depends on how often your child sucks their thumb, how hard they suck when they’re doing it, and other factors.

What Can I Do to Help My Child Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums?

You can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums by seeking services from a reputable family dentist in Jacksonville, FL. At Dr. Matt Henry, we can provide guidance as you learn to take care of your child’s teeth. We perform dental exams and cleanings to help little ones maintain healthy teeth.

Your child should start having dental exams by the time they’re one year old. If your child is older than one year and hasn’t yet seen the dentist, give us a call to make your child’s first appointment.

This may have happened to you before. You regularly follow a schedule of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Although your teeth feel clean, perhaps you have noticed a “film” on your teeth.

You may have also noticed that your teeth could be whiter than they are, and even after many rounds of oral care routine, you just can’t achieve the level of white that you desire.

The gifted team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, is proud to serve the local community with top-notch dental care services, including thorough checkups and examinations, so that we can detect any dental problems or possible issues before they grow to become more severe and costly.

Why You Still Need to See Your Dentist

Checkups and dental cleanings are essential, even with your current routine and habits.

A dental cleaning is like a deep clean for your mouth, getting rid of plaque and tartar that even your toothbrush can’t reach.

Here are some benefits you can enjoy:

1. Catch Problems Early: Our dentist has eagle eyes for spotting tiny troublemakers like cavities or gum disease before they become big problems.
2. Pro Tips and Tricks: The team can give personalized tips on brushing, flossing, and other oral care habits.
3. Beyond the Basics: Dentists can check for things you can’t see, like oral cancer or jaw problems.

Your Professional Dental Care Partners

It’s time to invest in your health. Regular check-ups are essential to making sure everything is going well.

While it is essential to follow an oral care routine at home, it’s good to have the peace of mind that nothing else is going in that you (and we!) are unaware of.

During your next appointment with the skilled team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, you can be sure you receive the utmost care and guidance you and your loved ones deserve.

Are you due for a dental checkup? It’s important to have these checkups regularly, about every six months. During these appointments, your provider will examine your teeth and gums, clean your mouth, and diagnose any oral health problems you may have.

If you want to schedule adental checkup in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than the office of Dr. Matt Henry. With several years of experience in the field, we’re the name you can trust for reliable dental care!

In this post, we’ll discuss 4 benefits of routine dental visits.

Prevent Serious Dental Issues

If you avoid dental checkups, issues can pop up in a hurry. Furthermore, they can become much worse if left untreated. During a dental checkup, your provider examines your teeth and looks for any areas of concern. If they find something, they can treat the issue right away before it gets more severe.

Diagnose Oral Health Problems

While it’s important to catch problems before they get worse, it’s even more vital to diagnose issues in the first place. Getting a diagnosis is crucial for getting the treatment you need. Dental checkups make this possible.

Saves You Money

Visiting the dentist for a checkup can also save you money in the long run! For example, if your provider finds a cavity, they can treat it with a filling before it worsens. If this problem goes undetected, it can lead to pain, severe decay, tooth loss, and very high dental bills. Preventative care like this can save you thousands!

Fewer Dental Issues

Those who visit the dentist regularly typically experience fewer dental problems overall. This is because their provider looks over their dental health every six months, allowing them to wipe away bacteria and fix any problems before they get worse.

Ready to schedule a checkup? Contact the office of Dr. Matt Henry today to work with the topdentist in Jacksonville, FL!