4 Ways That Pediatric Dentistry Helps More Than Just Children’s Teeth

A child’s oral health impacts their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Poor oral health not only causes gum disease and tooth decay; it can also lead to terminal illnesses. To better understand why you should take your child to a pediatric dentist, here’s how pediatric dentistry helps more than just children’s teeth.

1. Helps With Digestive Issues

A child with poor oral health is likely to have trouble chewing and swallowing due to painful dental or orthodontic problems. This could result in digestive issues such as indigestion and an upset stomach. The child may also experience severe symptoms such as gastric issues and vomiting.

2. Helps Boost Their Self-Esteem

Orthodontic issues can negatively impact your child’s self-esteem. For example, if your child has an underbite or open bite, they might not feel confident enough to smile. Their overall performance at school can also be affected, as they may feel reserved about interacting with other children. If you notice an orthodontic problem in your child, consult a pediatric dentist. They will address the underlying issue and work to give your child their self-esteem back.

3. Helps Resolve Issues With Speech

Poor oral health can exacerbate issues with speech. Some orthodontic issues particularly have a significant impact on speech. An overbite or underbite, for instance, can alter how your child pronounces particular words. This may cause your child to distance themselves from social groups at home and school. A pediatric dentist can address underlying issues affecting your child’s speech.

4. Helps Improve School Attendance

Regular dental examinations and procedures usually don’t affect school attendance, but dental emergencies brought on by poor oral health do. According to the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, dental-related illnesses cost 51 million school hours every year. When you’re invested in your child’s oral health, they will be less prone to miss school due to a dental emergency.

Your child’s overall health is significantly impacted by oral health. Make sure they observe good oral health and take them to see a pediatric dentist regularly. Give Jacaranda Smiles a call today to book a pediatric dentistry appointment.