A good oral health is crucially tied to a person’s overall wellbeing and early childhood dental care is a fundamental aspect in the development of healthy and strong adult teeth.
As parents and care providers, it’s essential to prioritize your children’s oral health when making significant decisions about their health and well-being. Children who are taught good oral hygiene at an early age are more likely to experience lesser dental problems like developing cavities and having tooth decay.
And the best way to protect your child’s oral health is by teaching them good dental hygiene.
The Importance of Promoting Oral Health in Child Care
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There are plenty of ways poor dental health can impact your child’s development and growth. Few on the list include its effects on their speaking, smiling, proper breathing, feeding, and adapting to social situations. When children have bad dental health, it may cause them discomfort, pain, embarrassment, low self-esteem, and inability to carry out daily activities. They may also show irritability, become underweight, be more prone to diseases and illnesses, experience sleep disruption, and are more likely to visit hospitals for admission which will hamper their proper growth.
The following are considered to be significant effects of poor oral health in children:
Cognitive Development
Due to poor dental hygiene, children are more likely to have lower intellectual performance and learning ability due to their school absences, missed activities and homework caused by toothaches, mouth infections, or other dental emergencies.
Psychosocial Consequences
Dental health problems caused by poor oral health care among children can result in psychosocial consequences. For example, toothaches can cause children to become grumpier and could miss group activities among peers. Dental malocclusions can also result in fear of rejection and fear of being unattractive. Instances like these could lead children to social withdrawal and a higher chance of developing feelings of unhappiness, depression and being worthless.
Severe Medical Conditions
Studies have found that cardiovascular diseases and gum diseases are highly correlated. Diabetes and stroke are also linked to poor oral health. While these are adult conditions, such medical problems are prevented if good oral hygiene is set early in life.
Other Preventable Conditions
Regular dental visits can help detect other health conditions among children. If your child is assessed regularly with a children’s dentist in Brampton, you may be able to find early signs of vitamin deficiencies, acid reflux, or tooth grinding (bruxism). Frequent dental checkups can allow early correction and prevention of tooth decay and even mouth tumors.
Promoting Good Oral Habits
Parents and child care providers in Ontario have the primary responsibility to teach children the right way to look after their teeth and gums and ensure dental checkups are done frequently.
Teach Children Good Oral Hygiene
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- As parents and care providers, begin good dental habits as soon as your child’s teeth become visible.
- Teach children to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day.
- Make sure to use toothpaste with fluoride with a smear size.
- Let them use a toothbrush that is appropriate to their age. Soft bristles are much recommended to use in children.
- If your child doesn’t like the taste of your preferred toothpaste, try another flavour.
- Teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste.
- Assist your child in cleaning their teeth thoroughly inside out, from top to bottom.
- Don’t forget to teach them how to floss properly to remove trapped food that may lead to plaque and tooth decay.
- Encourage your child to brush their teeth after eating sugary foods or drinking juice.
- Avoid handing children sugary foods and drinks to prevent enamel damage and decay.
Establish A Good Relationship with Your Child’s Dentist
One of the most effective ways to promote a healthy mouth for your child is to schedule constant dental visits with their dentist, check the dental clinic’s website to book online to schedule appointment. Ensure to choose a dental provider that specializes in children, understands children’s teeth growth and development well enough, and has a comprehensive dental care service for children.
