As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is developing healthy habits, and taking care of their teeth is a great place to start! Not only will this help them have a bright smile, but it can also provide long-term health benefits. Here are some of the ways that taking care of your teeth can improve your and your child’s health.
Improve Self-Esteem and Boost Mental Health
Over 4 million people in the U.S. wear braces, and 25% of these people are adults with braces! Whether your child is getting traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners, they will want to take extra care of their teeth while they are wearing them. Not only will this help their teeth stay healthy, but it can also boost their self-esteem. A healthy smile is a beautiful smile!
In addition to improving self-esteem, taking care of your teeth can also boost your mental health. An article found that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from depression. This is because the inflammation caused by gum disease can affect the brain and contribute to mood disorders. If you or your child are feeling down, make sure to monitor their oral hygiene habits as a parent.
Prevent Tooth Decay
By the time they reach age 65, over 95% of Americans have some form of tooth decay. Sadly, many of these cases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar and begin to eat away at the enamel of our teeth. This can cause cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss if the plaque is not cleaned properly.
As a parent and as an adult, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You should also be getting regular dental checkups and cleanings to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth.
As a parent, you can help prevent tooth decay in your child by teaching them to brush their teeth properly and by encouraging proper dental hygiene.
Repair Deformities
About 20% of the population has some level of significant facial growth deformity, from underbites to overbites. Most of these deformities are genetic, but they can also be caused by bad oral habits. For example, thumb sucking can cause an overbite, while teeth grinding can cause an underbite.
If your child has a facial growth deformity, taking care of their teeth is especially important. This is because the deformity can make it difficult to clean their teeth properly and can also cause gum disease. By taking care of their teeth, you can help prevent more serious problems down the road.
In addition to the parent’s role in teaching proper dental habits, you may also want to consult with an orthodontist about braces or other treatments that can help repair your child’s physical deformity. Severe deformities can make it difficult to consume healthy foods, so treatment from an orthodontic specialist is key.
Prevent Infections
Infections in the mouth can cause a number of problems, from tooth loss to gum disease. They can also lead to more serious infections, such as endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart valves.
To prevent infections, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you or your child have a history of mouth infections, you may want to consult with your dentist about using an antibacterial mouthwash.
As a parent, you can help prevent infections by teaching your children to brush and floss their teeth properly. You should also encourage them to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
These are just some of the many reasons why taking care of your teeth is important. By taking care of your teeth, you can improve your overall health and well-being. So make sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups!
