PHYSICIAN BIO DIRECTORY
How to encourage kids to brush their teeth
Dental health should be a priority at any age, and is especially important for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth. Also, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. Cavities and other oral health conditions, such as periodontal diseases, are largely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Parents know that getting children — especially young ones — to care for their teeth in the correct manner may require some help and then reinforcement throughout the developmental years. However, there are ways to make dental care a more engaging activity for youngsters.
Flavored toothpastes and mouthwashes
Mint reigns supreme in oral health products as the dominant flavor, but not all children are enamored with that flavor. Most oral care products geared toward the
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younger set come in different flavors like bubble gum and berry. Kids can take active roles in their oral health by choosing the flavored products they prefer to use.
Electronic toothbrushes
Children may enjoy using electronic toothbrushes because they are easy to maneuver and can even seem like a toy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, electric toothbrushes generally are considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean. That benefits kids and adults because it potentially means fewer painful visits with the dentist.
Make it a competition
Children love games and healthy competition between peers and siblings. Offer a prize
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(non-sugary, of course) to children who brush and floss daily for the required times. Extra points can be awarded for every dental wellness check that comes back with a glowing report.
Make smart food choices
Engage children in lessons and choices about which foods are good for oral health and which may be poor.
Sticky foods or those with a lot of sugary content should only be occasional treats. The entire family can work together to plan meals around foods that are good for the teeth and gums, such as crunchy veggies, leafy greens, high-calcium dairy products, and fatty fish.
Practice on pets
Pets need clean teeth, too. Children may enjoy
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not only brushing their own teeth, but learning how to keep their companion animals’ mouths healthy with brushing and care. Various strategies can increase the chances that kids engage with oral hygiene practices early on.
Use plaque-disclosing tablets
Show children just where they may need to direct more brushing effort with plaque-disclosing tablets. These tablets use food-grade coloring in them, which sticks to areas with plaque accumulation.
After chewing the tablets and the child smiles, he or she will see the spots where efforts need to be ramped up. This can be a fun lesson as children will likely enjoy seeing their teeth covered in the tablet color.
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Issues that can arise from poor dental health
The importance of maintaining dental hygiene is emphasized from the time most people are small children. Indeed, parents start early by cleaning kids’ teeth the moment the first one pushes its way through a baby’s gums, and that hopefully kick-starts a lifelong devotion to dental care. Appearance may be the main reason why many people prioritize dental hygiene, and few things set as strong an impression as a set of pearly whites. But health is another notable reason to make dental hygiene a priority. It goes without saying that dental health is adversely affected by poor dental hygiene habits, but the rest of the body also can suffer when individuals don’t take time to care for their teeth.
Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association notes that periodontal disease causes inflammation in the gums. That’s a notable link, as the ADA points out that inflammation in the body can cause high blood sugar levels, which is a known risk factor for diabetes. Simple oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing can protect against gum disease that can increase the risk for diabetes.
High-risk pregnancy
Women should know that taking care of their teeth could be a notable way to protect their unborn children. A 2021 study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that
periodontal disease is strongly associated with premature birth. Authors of the study note that premature birth is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including perinatal mortality, immature lung development, reduced feeding ability, and inferior weight gain.
Cardiovascular disease
The American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health reports that poor dental hygiene and inflammation of the arteries are directly linked. That’s because bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream and causes the arteries to harden, thus increasing a person’s risk for stroke or heart attack. The AAOSH also notes that poor oral health has been linked to high blood pressure and
elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol, each of which pose a threat to cardiovascular health.
Respiratory issues
The mouth is vulnerable to bacteria growth, which is one reason why daily measures like brushing and flossing are so important. The AAOSH notes that once bacteria reaches the lungs, an individual’s risk for infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues increases.
Dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are simple measures, but they can have a profound effect on individuals’ overall health.
Understanding 7 signs of springtime allergies
Few things are more deflating than finally venturing outdoors after a long winter of cabin fever, only to find that blooming trees and flowers start wreaking havoc with your personal health. Spring allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to indoor or outdoor allergens, such as tree and grass pollen, mold and dust. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 25.7% of adults and 18.9% of children in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis accounts for an estimated $16 billion in annual health care costs and is a leading cause of reduced productivity while at work. Identifying the symptoms of allergies is key to distinguishing them from a cold or another infection and to ensuring fast relief. Spring allergies typically peak from March to May and may even continue into July. Physicians will look for specific physical markers to confirm allergies.
Sneezing
Sneezing can occur in rapid-fire patterns, known as paroxysmal sneezing, especially after spending time outdoors. These intense episodes can be tied to allergies or be symptomatic of another condition, says the National Institutes of Health.
Itchy, watery eyes
Allergic conjunctivitis is the medical term for this condition, which is a hallmark of spring allergies. Eyes will appear red, feel gritty or drip clear fluid.
Itchy throat and ears
Pollen may cause a scratchy or tingly sensation in the throat and in the ear canals. Medical professionals warn that chronic inflammation from allergies is a primary risk factor for secondary bacterial infections that can occur in the sinuses and ears. Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when fluid builds up behind the
eardrum because the eustachian tubes become blocked or don’t open properly to let fluid drain to the nose and throat, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Pressure imbalances, muffled hearing, popping sounds, and even pain can occur.
Nasal congestion/runny nose
A thin, clear discharge typically is a sign of allergies, whereas any mucus that is thick, yellow or green could indicate an infection. Constant upward rubbing of the nose from allergies (called the allergic salute) often causes a permanent transverse nasal crease at the junction of the nose tip and the bridge, says Healthline.
“Allergic shiners”
Nasal congestion can cause swelling and increased blood vessels to the small veins in the infraorbital area, causing dark, bluish circles under the eyes called periorbital hyperpigmentation, says
the Center for Orofacial Myology. This makes allergy sufferers appear as though they have two black eyes.
Cough
Post-nasal drip occurs when mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nose. This can cause a persistent, dry cough that’s often worse at night. Post-nasal drip also may result in a sore throat and a “cobblestone” appearance in the back of the throat that’s visible during a medical exam.
Fatigue
Insufficient rest due to allergy-related discomfort can cause those with spring allergies to feel fatigued. The constant immune system response to allergies also can lead to daytime tiredness and lack of focus.
Allergic rhinitis is a problem for millions of people each spring. A combination of avoiding triggers and using allergy medications can help calm any symptoms that crop up.
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