INTUITIVELY, YOU PROBABLY KNOW that better posture is good for your child’s back, neck, etc—no doubt you’ve reminded him or her to “stand up straight.” But what you may NOT know is that better posture is good for your oral health too! It’s true. Proper posture promotes a healthy smile and can help prevent potential problems with your child’s jaw and teeth.
Poor Posture Can Place Pressure On Your Child’s Jaw
Simply stated, when we slouch our lower jaw is pushed farther forward and our skull sits farther back on our spinal column which can cause our bite to be misaligned. When our teeth are improperly aligned, our jaw compensates to bring them together. Over time, this movement can stress our jaw joints and the associated muscles—and in some cases cause painful inflammation and/or damage to our teeth.
Good Posture’s Effects Are Far Reaching
Your child’s teeth are an important part of an interconnected skeletal system. When misaligned, some studies show that the effects can be as far reaching as the muscles in the pelvis and feet! Crazy, huh? Practicing good posture can not only help your child maintain a healthy smile, but it can also help his or her whole body health.
Together, Learn More About Good Posture
Take a look at this short video to learn more about good posture:
Teach Your Child These Tips For Better Posture
- Lift your chest, pull your shoulder blades back and down
- Keep your stomach muscles tight
- If standing, your ears should line up with your shoulders, your hips with your knees, and your knees with your ankles
- If sitting, your hips should line up with your ears
If you have any questions about posture or its relationship to your child’s oral health, please contact us. We’re here to help your child stand up straight and smile with confidence!