One day, you’re sitting down to dinner with your kids and everything is just fine. The next, your child is having trouble eating and you find out it’s due to chewing problems. What’s going on here, what should be doing to treat or prevent such concerns, and what should you keep in mind? Let’s work our way through the details that can help you make sense of what might be going on and how to protect your kids for now and for the rest of their lives!
They Shouldn’t Bite Off More Than They Can Chew
First, if you notice that kids take very large bites at the table, this is something to correct. You may instruct the to take smaller bites. You may decide that they aren’t using their utensils and that they need to start. For very little kids, you may cut their food up for them. Don’t forget that very big bites can exhaust jaw joints, which can result in chewing problems down the line.
Chewing Shouldn’t Be Uncomfortable
If your child explains to you that chewing is uncomfortable, remember that unless there’s a loose tooth involved that’s a bit in the way (or new teeth just erupting), this is not normal. Chewing and breaking down food should be comfortable and easy. We encourage you to come in for a visit, so we can find out if it’s a cavity, a little sensitivity, etc. Fixing the issue right away means a quick return to life without chewing problems.
They Shouldn’t Be Chewing Nonstop
Don’t let kids snack, chew gum, eat candy, etc., all day long. This overworks teeth and jaws and can most certainly lead to chewing problems and more serious disorders like bruxism and TMJ disorder!
Protect Kids’ Smiles With Chewing Tips
Take a tip or two from our team regarding safe chewing and let us know if you have any question about your kids and their oral health. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
