There are many reasons why it is crucial for children to have good oral health.
Overall Health - Good oral health is linked to overall health and well-being. Poor oral health can affect their ability to eat and sleep, even their concentration
Prevention of Tooth Decay - Children are susceptible to tooth decay (cavities and caries), which can be painful and lead to infection if untreated. Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can prevent decay and build-up of tartar.
Speech Development - Healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper speech development in children. Dental issues like missing teeth or misaligned jaws can affect speech clarity and their ability to pronounce specific letters and words.
Facial Development - Baby teeth play a vital role in maintaining space for their adult teeth. Premature loss of their baby teeth due to decay or other issues, can lead to misalignment of their permanent teeth.
Confidence and Social Interaction - Children with healthy smiles are often more confident in social situations. Good oral health can prevent bad breath and other dental issues that may cause them to feel self-conscious or embarrassed.
Establish Oral Hygiene Habits - It is important to teach children good oral hygiene habits from a young age, as this sets them up for a lifetime of healthy practices. This includes regular trips to the dentist, along with brushing at least twice a day and flossing.
Detecting Dental Issues Early - Regular dental visits allow your Dentist to detect any developing dental issues early. It is important to intervene early, to help prevent them turning into something more serious later on.
Cost Saving - Regular preventative care is often far less expensive that treating dental problems that arise from neglect or poor oral hygiene.
Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) - Children aged between 2 to 17 years of age are eligible for CDBS if the family receive certain government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, Youth Allowance, or other similar payments. If you are unsure, feel free to enquire with us.
Overall, prioritizing oral health in children will ensure their teeth and gums are healthy but also contributes to their general health and well-being as they develop.