How Dental Health Affects Your Child’s Body
You know that having good dental hygiene is important, but you may be surprised by how dental health can affect your child’s entire body. The mouth is the gateway to the body, making it vital to prioritize oral health. Your child’s dental health can greatly affect their overall health. Here are a few health issues that have been linked to poor oral health in kids and how to avoid them:
Tooth Decay
Oftentimes poor oral health can result in tooth decay. Over time plaque accumulates in the mouth, and excessive plaque can wear out the enamel. This can create a hole in the tooth resulting in decay and cavities. Tooth decay is typically caused by a combination of sugary foods and poor oral hygiene. It can cause pain and discomfort for your child. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to practice brushing and flossing every day, avoiding sugary foods, and making regular visits to your dentist.
Digestive problems
If a child has bad oral health, it is not uncommon for them to have a hard time chewing and swallowing their food. The pain that accompanies a toothache can cause a child to chew incorrectly, which can affect their digestive system. A result of this could be indigestion or discomfort in the belly and more severe issues such as gastric issues or vomiting.
Heart Disease
Poor oral health in children has been linked to a higher chance of contracting heart disease. When there is excess bacteria in the mouth, it can be passed down to the bloodstream. That same bacteria can then travel down to the arteries, forming plaque that has the potential to lead to severe heart conditions. This can increase the risk of heart attack. Proper dental care can go a long way to help your child’s overall health.
Respiratory Diseases
Your child’s respiratory health can also be affected by their oral health. Bacteria from the mouth can also be passed down and travel to the lungs. A buildup of plaque can cause the lungs to harden, resulting in respiratory infections.
When you take care of your dental health, you are taking care of your overall health. To maintain good oral health it is important to bring your child in for a dental evaluation at least twice a year. Regular brushing and flossing are great ways to maintain dental health in-between visits.
Schedule an appointment with Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry in Logan Utah to ensure you are getting the best dental care for your child. We can’t wait to see you.
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