Children with good oral health are less likely to experience cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. Children should be taught good dietary practices, to consume less sugar, and to frequently brush and floss their teeth. Parents should wipe their child’s gums with a cloth after the morning feeding and before bed to remove bacteria, sugars and acid that cause cavities.
Healthy Teeth
Healthy teeth will give children confidence in their smile and make eating food more enjoyable since they won’t struggle with pain while chewing. They’ll also have fresher breath and be less likely to develop cavities. These benefits can help kids feel more self-sufficient, which can also positively impact their mental health. The most common chronic ailment in children is tooth decay, which is mostly avoidable. But children can’t prioritize oral hygiene independently, so starting them off on the right foot is essential by encouraging healthy habits early on. Kids learn best by imitating their parents, so it’s crucial to demonstrate good dental health practices and encourage them to brush and floss regularly. It’s also important to keep kids’ diets low in sugary foods and drinks that will erode tooth enamel over time and contribute to cavities. Contact pediatric dentistry today for more advice on promoting good oral health in children!
Better Overall Health
Poor oral health can impact children in several ways, from their ability to feed themselves and smile to their social and emotional development. Children with dental issues are also more likely to skip school because of an infection or toothache. Taking kids to the dentist for regular, preventive visits starting from their first tooth helps them get comfortable with the experience and lessens fear and anxiety that can lead to dental avoidance later in life. It’s also important to model good oral health habits by brushing and flossing regularly, eating healthy foods, and using fluoridated toothpaste. Lastly, having access to affordable, quality children’s dental cleaning is essential for all children.
Improved Self-Esteem
Children who practice good oral health habits have fresher breath and smiles, making them more confident. Eating makes them less likely to feel pain or discomfort, which may help them focus better in class. Oral diseases such as tooth decay can cause pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and trouble speaking. It can make it difficult for children to participate in social activities and school, leading to low self-esteem.
Additionally, crooked or misaligned teeth can affect children’s confidence and appearance, leading them to avoid smiling, feel shy in social situations, and become preoccupied with what others think of them. Regular dental exams can prevent these problems, giving children a more positive outlook on life and boosting their self-esteem. It is particularly important for girls, who tend to have lower self-esteem than boys and may be more influenced by body image.
Better Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for general wellness. But did you know it’s also important for oral health? Children with oral health problems, such as gum disease and cavities, experience more pain and are more likely to have a harder time getting quality sleep. It can affect how well they learn and grow and may impact their behavior and mood.
Poor sleep hygiene is also connected to a higher risk of heart disease and acid reflux, which can harm dental health. These ailments can produce a dry mouth, worsening gum disease and tooth decay while contributing to foul breath. The relationship between sleep and health is best understood by oral health professionals, uniquely positioned to spread sleep quality assessment tools, diagnose sleep quality issues with dental examinations, and decide who to refer to sleep-related problems. The more we can do to help our patients get better sleep, the healthier they will be overall!
