It has been estimated that in children from ages two years to 11 years, more than 40 percent develop tooth cavities or decay, and so do children from 6 to 19 years old. In addition, children who have had tooth caries in their temporary teeth are more prone to developing caries in their permanent teeth, primarily due to their eating habits. Therefore, it is crucial to impose the importance of oral health from a young age and give regular visits to the Pediatric Dental Group Germantown office or any local dental. Here are some reasons why:
1. Adverse Effect on the Overall Health
Bad dental health may negatively impact the overall health and development of the child. It might also adversely affect the growth of the child. When qualified physical health is considered, proper eating, breathing, smiling, speaking, and positively reacting to social situations are usually considered. Poor dental health affects all of these factors and thus hinders the child’s physical health. Bad dental health also causes discomfort and pain to the child as well as lowers its self-esteem. Apart from these, the child may develop an inability to carry out daily activities. Children who have bad teeth might develop eating problems, fail to grow properly, be underweight, and be more prone to diseases than children with good dental health. It is also reported that sleep disruption and irritability are seen in children with bad teeth.
2. Poor Cognitive Development
Cognitive health, which consists of academic performance and learning ability, is unfavorably affected by bad dental health. Children often miss school and hence score low grades due to often developing teeth infection or toothache. This could have been avoided with regular dental checkups with the Pediatric Dental Group Germantown office or any other dental clinics in one’s locality. Children who develop bad dental health at a young age are 52% more likely to have difficulties at school, 24% higher risk of not completing homework, and 42% more likely to miss school more often than others.
3. Chronic Medical Conditions
Dental complications and poor oral hygiene has been linked to chronic medical conditions such as gum disease and cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes and stroke are also highly correlated with poor oral health. To ensure that a child does not develop such chronic conditions, good dental hygiene should be taught and practiced early in life.
4. Adverse Psychosocial Consequences
A child experiencing incessant toothache is more likely to develop a bad temper and an angry attitude towards everything than a normal child. This will consequently affect how it interacts with its peers and participates in group activities. Moreover, children with deformed or cavity-ridden front teeth might develop a stubborn opinion that they are unattractive. This will lead them to smile less often, social withdrawal, and repeated thoughts about what others will think of them.
Thus, without proper dental care, children may develop all sorts of problems and insecurities, which can be easily prevented with regular checkups with the Pediatric Dental Group Germantown office.
