Tiny Teeth, Big Impact: Why Early Oral Care Matters
While a cavity seems like a small issue, its impact can be profound in children’s development. Tooth decay is surprisingly the most common chronic disease among children worldwide, with over 530 million children impacted (World Health Organisation, 2017). Poor oral hygiene not only causes extreme discomfort but also increases the risk of gum disease, speech problems, and digestive issues. Left untreated, oral health issues can potentially compromise adult teeth development even before they emerge. Psychological, social, and emotional complications can also arise from untreated dental issues, including self-esteem challenges. Numerous studies have found that academic performance can also be impacted, as untreated issues can cause lower school attendance. Ultimately, temporary discomfort can set the stage for a lifetime of health challenges.
The good news is—you can protect your child’s smile one day at a time! Taking small steps to build stronger oral health habits can set a brighter future; here’s how:
- Make it fun!
Make brushing fun by making it a game or using a toothbrush with a popular cartoon character.
- Remember the 2-2-2 method
Brush twice a day for two minutes and visit the dentist twice a year.
- Promote healthy snacking
Replace sugary foods in the diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts, or cheese. It’s also worth replacing sugary drinks with water!
- Teach the techniques
Teach children the best way to brush with small circular motions across all surfaces of their teeth and gums.
- Visit the dentist!
Regular checkups are vital and help ensure any issues can be targeted early. Aim to schedule a visit with your child’s dentist every 6 months.
Everyday counts when it comes to protecting your child’s smile. Investing in oral health care now will pay off for their lifetime. Starting today can spare any pain and costly dental treatments in the future.
The ADFi team is always here to help! We offer mobile dentist programs to schools to support your child’s oral health care, completely free of charge! Contact our team to find out more on how to register your school for our MySchool Program. Help your children smile bright, sooner!
