February is famous as the month of romantic love, but that’s not the only thing that is going on this month. It is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. That makes it the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on just how precious and important your little one’s smile is. A family dentist in Crown Point is here to discuss just how vital oral health is for children. You might be surprised to learn just how vital your young one’s smile is to their overall well-being!
Oral Health and Overall Wellness: The Undeniable Connection
Cavities are extremely common among children; in fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) they are the most common condition that afflicts kids in the United States. Some parents may think this isn’t a big deal because baby teeth fall out eventually anyway, but oral health issues like decay can lead to other serious problems, including:
- Persistent pain. When decay reaches a tooth’s interior, a child may suffer from continuous pain and sensitivity.
- Dental abscesses and infections. Left untreated, these problems can lead to systemic, life-threatening illness.
- Insufficient nutrition. Poor oral health makes it difficult for children to consume the nutrients their growing bodies need in order to develop properly.
- Depression and attention issues. A damaged, painful smile can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and make it difficult for them to concentrate on their school lessons. Oral heal problems can even cause kids to miss out on portions of their education altogether; children in the U.S. miss an estimate 51 million hours of school each year due to dental issues.
Protect Your Child’s Smile
To protect your child against the problems associated with poor oral health, you need to start caring for their smile when they are very young. Babies should visit their children’s dentist in Crown Point before they turn one year old so a professional can examine their first little teeth and give you tips on how to care for their oral health at home.
As your child grows, focus on teaching them about the importance of caring for their teeth and gums. For example, when you’re talking about nutrition, you can also touch on how certain foods affect oral health and why it is important to avoid excessive amounts of sugar. You can also be a role model for your kids in terms of oral hygiene; when they notice that you regularly brush and floss your teeth, they are likely to follow suit. You could even brush and floss at the same time so you can show your child how to implement proper tooth-cleaning techniques.
Are you doing all you can to safeguard your child’s oral health? Now is the best time to focus on laying the foundation for them to enjoy a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.
About Our Practice
Drs. Danny Hayes and Christine Mousa work together to serve families in the Crown Point area. They provide expert, compassionate care for patients of all ages, including young children. If you would like their help to protect your little one’s precious smile, contact our office at 219-663-6878.