There are a number of problems that affect the oral health of children, including tooth decay, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and early tooth loss.
Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth, keeping baby teeth healthy is important to a child's overall health and well-being.
How bad oral health affects a child? When your child has bad oral health, they have high chances of contracting heart disease.
If your child has excess bacteria in the mouth, it could pass down to the bloodstream. These same bacteria can travel to the arteries.
Consequently, it can form plaque around the arteries and lead to severe heart conditions.
How to help make dental hygiene fun to your child:
Let children help choose their own toothbrush. They can pick one that has a favorite color or character.
Let children help choose toothpaste. They can pick their favorite flavor.
Read books or watch videos that talk about dental hygiene.
Use a timer to make sure kids brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Or play their favorite song to help keep track of time.
Reward children for good oral care. Do not give them food or sugary treats. Offer something healthy or simple instead, like apple slices or a gold star.
Plan a fun activity following your child’s dentist visit.
Which children are at risk for tooth decay?
High levels of the bacteria that cause cavities.
A diet high in sugars and starches.
Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it.
Poor oral hygiene.
Less saliva flow than normal.
What are two signs of tooth decay in a child?
Signs of decay include white patches or brown spots on teeth, red or swollen gums, holes in teeth or broken teeth.
If you think your child has tooth decay, see your dentist.
Prevent decay with good dental care, healthy eating and drinking, and regular dental check-ups.
How bad oral health affects a child?
When your child has bad oral health, they have high chances of contracting heart disease.
If your child has excess bacteria in the mouth, it could pass down to the bloodstream. These same bacteria can travel to the arteries.
Consequently, it can form plaque around the arteries and lead to severe heart conditions.
source:
http://www.highlandskidsdentistry.com/blog/2016/02/the-importance-of-oral-health-care-for-your-child