As parents, we all want our children to be healthy and happy. We make sure they eat their vegetables, get enough sleep, and stay active. But one aspect of their health that often gets overlooked is their dental hygiene. Did you know that there is a direct link between oral health and mental health? Studies have shown that poor dental hygiene in children can lead to a variety of cognitive and behavioral problems, including difficulties with memory, attention, and even mood disorders. Below we will explore the importance of dental hygiene in children and how parents can promote good oral health to support their child's overall well-being.
Gum Disease and Mental Health: Unraveling the Surprising Linkage
Studies have shown that gum disease, which is caused by poor dental hygiene, can increase the risk of developing mental health problems in both children and adults. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the brain, leading to inflammation, damage to the neural tissues and other harmful effects. There has been increasing evidence proving a strong relationship is found between periodontal (gum) disease and mood disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
In children, poor dental hygiene can also lead to chronic pain and discomfort, which can also impact their mood, behavior, and ability to concentrate. This can contribute to conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, as well as other behavioral issues.
As a parent, it is important to promote good dental hygiene in your children from a young age. This means encouraging them to brush their teeth two to three times a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Mastering Oral Health: Essential Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
- Lead by example: Kids often learn by observing their parents, so make sure to brush your teeth regularly and let your kids watch. They are more likely to develop good brushing habits when they see their parents doing it too.
- Create a routine: Make brushing teeth a part of their daily routine, such as before breakfast and before bedtime. This helps kids to understand that brushing teeth is an essential part of their daily routine, just like taking a shower or getting dressed. Teach your child from a young age to brush their teeth at least 2 to 3 times a day. Start this routine at an early age.
- Reward good behavior: Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. You can create a sticker chart to track their brushing habits and offer a small reward, such as a sticker for consistently good brushing habits.
- Let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste: Kids may be more likely to brush their teeth if they are given the opportunity to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them pick a fun color or cartoon character toothbrush and a toothpaste flavor they like.
- Make it a family activity: Brushing teeth together can be a fun family activity that encourages good dental hygiene habits. It also allows parents to monitor their children's brushing habits and ensure they are brushing their teeth properly.
- Avoid eating after: Try to prevent giving your child milk or other foods after brushing before bedtime.
- Rinse before brushing: It’s best to brush your teeth before eating to protect the enamel. But if you have eaten already, you can either wait 30 minutes to brush or rinse your mouth with water first. By rinsing your mouth with water, you can help neutralize the acidity and remove some of the food particles, making it safer to brush your teeth without spreading the acids around.
- Forget common myths: many people think that "cavities in baby teeth are not important because those teeth will fall out.” All teeth are important, and all cavities are too.
- Visit the pediatric dentist: From the first year of life it is important to visit the pediatric dentist to know how, when, and in what ways good oral hygiene habits should be implemented from childhood.
- Educate: Teenagers find it difficult to anticipate the consequences of their actions and neglect proper oral habits because they think "that won't happen to me". Teach them about the relationship between dental health and mental health, give examples of close people who have experienced situations due to lack of oral hygiene, and take them to their appointments regularly. Remember that their brain is still growing, and they need guidance.
- Try to avoid sweets and other foods: candy, soda, and sugary snacks, that can cause cavities because the bacteria in our mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that erode the tooth enamel. When this acid repeatedly attacks the tooth enamel, it can lead to the formation of small holes or cavities in the teeth. Furthermore, when we eat foods high in carbohydrates, such as chips or crackers, they stick to the surface of the teeth, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. As the bacteria feed on these carbohydrates, they produce acids that weaken the tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Therefore, it's important to limit the intake of sugary and starchy foods and to brush and floss regularly to remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated on the teeth. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help rinse away the harmful bacteria and acids in the mouth.
It is also important to be aware of the signs of gum disease, which include bleeding gums, bad breath, and red, swollen gums. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the dentist right away.
Taking care of your child's oral hygiene is just as important as any other aspect of their health. By promoting good dental habits from a young age, parents can help their children avoid dental problems and maintain good mental health. It's important to remember that a healthy diet is also key to preventing cavities and maintaining overall health. That's where Little Lunches comes in, with weekly personalized meal plans for kids that are both healthy and delicious. With the Little Lunches app, parents can take the stress out of meal planning while ensuring their children get the nutrients they need to keep their teeth and minds healthy. So, start today and give your child the gift of a healthy smile and a happy mind.
Sources:
- Dr. Diana Jimenez, pediatrician specialized in child nutrition, lactation, and child development.
- "Association between mental health status and oral health status: A study on children aged 5-15 years attending 17 public schools in Kandy city limits, Sri Lanka." by P. T. N. Gunarathne, G. R. K. S. Gamage, and W. K. S. Wijerathne. PLoS One. 2021; 16(1): e0244984. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244984.
- "Oral health status and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." by N. Çolak, D. Paksoy, N. A. Karaman, and D. Ş. Şen. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2015 Mar; 16(1): 79–84.
- "Mental Health and Oral Health: A Review of the Literature." by R. Locker. Int Dent J. 2009 Apr; 59(2): 85–92. doi: 10.1111/j.1875-595x.2009.tb00175.x.
- "Relationship between oral health-related quality of life, oral hygiene, socio-economic status, and school absenteeism in schoolchildren." by H. K. Allen, S. M. Stevenson, M. G. Fuller, S. L. Parkinson, and J. M. Clough. BMC Oral Health. 2021; 21: 270. doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01744-3.
