When we become parents, we want what’s best for our children – namely, that they have healthy, happy lives. So, we do whatever we need to ensure that happens. However, dental health seems to miss most parent’s minds. After all, baby teeth fall out, right? Why do we need to worry about dental health until they have their permanent teeth? Believe it our not, but dental health needs to begin from day one because studies have shown that tooth decay can affect a child’s growth development.
The study appeared in the online version of
Pediatrics journal and was conducted at University College London and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. They graded the tooth status on the DMFT scale, which determines the seriousness of any decayed, missing or filled teeth. When analyzed, the children with severe tooth decay would tend to be shorter and weigh less than those who didn’t, but there are lots of reasons this happens:
Oral hygiene.
Practicing good oral hygiene is important, because if neglected, it can lead to
serious dental issues. Ask your dental professional about how to care for your
child’s dental health.
Poor diet. Those
that don’t keep a healthy diet tend to lack important vitamins and nutrients in
order to grow strong and tall. And many times, a child may not let you know
they’re teeth are hurting, and it may affect their appetite.
As parents, it is important to tech our children about dental health early on. Not only will this help perpetuate a good relationship with their dental health but can give you signs of other health issues that may develop because of poor dental health.
If you would like more information about dental health, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000.
Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.
