Most parents don’t think too long or hard about their kids’ baby teeth. After all, they’re going to fall out soon and be replaced by a new set of chompers. No problem, right?
Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.
In fact, more and more research shows that poor oral health at an early age can lead to ongoing oral health problems throughout the children’s adult lives. In a recent longitudinal study conducted at South Australia’s University of Adelaide, researchers found that children who had tooth decay were more likely to experience continued issues with their oral health as they aged.
According to Professor Do, author of the study, over one-third children between the ages of nine and 14 in the pool of 24,000 randomly chosen participants had permanent decay in their adult teeth. Of this group, one in seven children had not been previously treated for decay in permanent teeth.
And poor oral health can lead to a number of more serious issues in the future. While periodontal disease is largely a genetic condition, it can also be caused by failing to brush and floss regularly. This often-preventable condition affects a whopping 47.2% of all adults over the age of 30.
While there’s no direct correlation, poor oral health is often a risk factor or side effect of obesity — namely, a poor diet. It’s no secret that we are currently in the midst of a global obesity epidemic. With the proliferation of sugary drinks packed with added sweeteners (yes, juice, we’re looking at you), children are getting positively piffed off of the gobfuls of sweet stuff they consume each day. And in the process, they are becoming more susceptible to a litany of bad diseases, including diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.
Another reason to instill healthy toothbrushing habits is to boost a child’s self confidence. A recent survey showed that almost all adults — we’re talking 99.7% -- believe that a healthy smile is socially important. Bad teeth will likely add yet another insecurity to your soon-to-be-preteen's burgeoning list. And c’mon, being a tween is already bad enough without a wonky smile.
So what can we do? The song and dance that is the bedtime routine can be exhausting; after checking under the bed for monsters, finding lost loveys, and reading "just one more" story, you might not have enough oomph to insist on thorough brushing and flossing. But good oral hygiene is just as necessary as providing nutritious food, teaching polite manners, and encouraging physical exercise. There are three crucial aspects to making certain your child's smile stays beautiful.
As soon as your baby gets his or her first tooth, it’s time to visit the dentist for checkup and cleaning. Regular, twice a year appointments will catch any cavities early, and will also send the message that dental care can be a pleasant, pain-free experience. When your child is between the ages of four and six, your family dentist might want to take x-rays to see if any premature cavities are forming in between teeth.
It should come as no surprise that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can be an effective preventative measure when it comes to oral health and cavities. Experts recommend consuming around 1.5 to 2 servings of fruit and up to 2.5 cups of veggies per day. Make meal planning and preparation a family activity, and encourage your children to help out in the kitchen. Cooking not only prevents you and your family from falling victim to rampant sugar consumption, but enlisting the help of tiny chefs can combat childhood obesity. While Canada’s childhood obesity rates have fallen significantly, it's a likely bet that your kids could use a few more veggies in their lives. And munching on things like apples, celery or carrots can actually help scrub the plaque from your teeth.
You know the spiel. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice daily, with supervision if needed. Teach your kids to brush properly, as brushing too hard can lead to gum damage and recession. As wacky as this may sound, have them practice on a tomato. If they are brushing too hard, they could risk damaging their gums and tooth enamel.
The bad news? Those baby teeth aren't just a practice run for the real thing (or fodder for the Tooth Fairy). But there's good news, too. It's relatively easy to keep those adorable kid grins clean and healthy.
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