When you see your child happy and being themselves, it also makes you feel good. On the flip side, when your child is sick, feeling discouraged or is struggling in an area, it can make you feel just as bad. You do all you can to help your child succeed, do well, feel happy and be healthy.
While you may consider tutoring, coaching, regular doctor visits, and other activities to involve and challenge and inspire your child and fulfill their passions and interests.
A Healthy Mouth Boosts Confidence
The power of a smile is often underestimated. Everyone's smile is unique and makes up a person's appearance. One tends not to show off this unique feature when his or her teeth are discolored, crooked or missing. People, including children, aren't as happy nor are they as self-confident when they don't show off their pearly whites.
Children who smile and are proud of their appearance are happier and more confident. As adults, they can continue to get health benefits from smiling including lower blood pressure, stress, and depression.
A Healthy Mouth Lowers Risk of Teeth and Gum Issues
Childhood tooth decay, or cavities, is one of the most prevalent health conditions among children. It is becoming more common for children to have at least one cavity. There many reasons for this including infrequent dental office check-ups and the overabundance of sugary foods and drinks.
Many parents don't recognize the damage of cavities to primary, or baby teeth. While it is true that every child will lose his or her primary teeth, it is still important that these teeth are properly cared for. Tooth decay in baby teeth may not seem to be a big deal, but the bacteria and disease can seep into the up and coming permanent, or adult tooth underneath.
When a child's mouth is healthy and properly cared for starting early, the child will likely have a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
A Healthy Mouth Results in a Better Dental Office Experience
For most children, the dental office is one of their least favorite places to visit. The noises, sounds, the poking and prodding of the hygienist in their mouths and the horrible taste of the gritty toothpaste and fluoride rinse all enhance a child's dislike of seeing the dentist. In addition to being subject to this kind of environment, increasingly more children are getting the bad news that they have cavities.
When proper at-home oral hygiene is practiced and children see their pediatric dentist regularly every six months, their dental office visits can be shorter and less traumatic and they are more likely to get a congratulatory reward or pat-on-the-back for being cavity-free. Children who are found to have a clean bill of oral health and short dental appointments will more likely tolerate or even enjoy going to the dental office.
When your child has a healthy mouth, he or she will be happier and more confident, experience fewer teeth and gum problems and have better dental office experiences. Regular office visits, proper at-home oral hygiene, and a healthy, nutritious diet can help your child achieve a healthy smile.
If it has been more than six months since your child's last dental appointment, contact your child's pediatric dentist today to schedule an appointment.