This month, we are excited to be at the Indian Valley YMCA and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club to promote children’s oral health. The goal of our team is to always deliver value for you and your family. While we specialize in braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic services, we are healthcare providers first and are deeply committed to your overall health! In this month’s blog, we aim to share some useful facts about your child’s teeth.
The Importance of Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing remove plaque bacteria - yes, this is well known! We know you are constantly reminding your kids, “Remember to brush your teeth!” Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time does more than just remove the biofilm of bacteria, known as plaque. It also eliminates the food sources that bacteria use to produce acids, which are responsible for cavities and gum disease.
Hydration and Nutrition Matters
Drink lots of water and avoid sticky, sugary foods! It takes more than just bacteria in your mouth to cause cavities and gum disease - an appropriate food source and environment for the bacteria are also needed. While plaque bacteria consume the same foods we do, certain sugary foods are especially dangerous because they feed the bacteria directly and can stick to your teeth. Sugary drinks that are high in acid pose a significant threat as well. We are witnessing increasing damage to tooth enamel from soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, and even fruit juices. For the best overall health, opt for regular water instead!
The Role of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are important! They help children learn to eat and speak while also holding the proper space for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost early and the space isn’t managed properly by a dentist or orthodontist, the space for adult teeth can be lost. This can lead to conditions such as ectopic eruption (where a tooth comes in the wrong spot) and impaction (where teeth become stuck in the bone).
Protecting Young Athletes with Mouth-Guards
If your child plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard! Injuries to the mouth are very common in young children, with studies suggesting that 20-30% of children will sustain some form of oral injury. Active children, particularly those engaging in sports, are especially vulnerable. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent injuries not only to teeth but also reduce the risk of concussion. Stay tuned for next month, when we’ll be sponsoring a mouthguard campaign for the athletes in our region!
Understanding Sleep and Oral Health
Snoring in children is not normal! Believe it or not, your mouth plays a significant role in your airway. Increased focus is being placed on sleep-disordered breathing (akin to sleep apnea in children) and its effects on their development. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can disrupt sleep and may affect the growth and development of teeth and jaws. Additionally, behavioral issues and poor school performance have been linked to irregular sleep cycles in children. An orthodontist can help identify factors that may affect the function, growth, and development of jaws and facial structures.
Regular Dental Check-Ups Matter!
As always, maintaining regular 6-month dental check-ups for your kids with their dentist is essential. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to the orthodontist occurs by age 7. This isn’t to suggest that every child will need treatment at this age but rather to screen for many conditions that, when undetected, could hinder the development of your child’s teeth and jaws.
We are proud to be your orthodontic care provider in Souderton, Telford, Sellersville, and Perkasie. Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation for you or your child today.
*Epidemiology of Traumatic Dental Injuries. Lars Andersson, DDS, PhD, DrOdont*