THERE ARE MORE BACTERIA IN YOUR KID’S MOUTH RIGHT THIS MINUTE than there are people on this planet. Thoughtful dental health is about SO much more than avoiding cavities. Teach your child that preventative dental care is essential to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Mouth Bacteria Can Spread To Other Parts Of Our Bodies
Neglecting one’s oral health can have very serious consequences. Something as seemingly harmless as bleeding gums—a sign of gum disease—is equivalent to an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.
Many Studies Link Dental Health To Whole Body Health
A growing body of research suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of dangerous health problems, including…
- Diabetes
- Endocarditis & Cardiovascular Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Strokes
- Alzheimer’s Disease
While it’s true that very few children need to worry about these health conditions right now, it’s important for children and parents to understand that establishing a pattern of good dental care early on is crucial for a healthy life.
A First Line Of Detection For Serious Diseases
It surprises people to learn that dentists are often first to discover health conditions like diabetes, and some forms of cancer. In part, that’s because we typically see you more often than your physician does. Another reason is that certain health problems affect conditions inside your mouth and we’re trained to see that. So it goes both ways… Our oral health provides clues to our whole body health, AND our whole body health can affect our oral health.
What Can You Do?
It’s as simple as it is important. Make sure your children are consistently and thoroughly brushing and flossing to keep bacteria under control. Never skip their regular cleanings and checkups. Let us help you monitor the critical relationship between your oral and overall health.