Importance of Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health During the Covid 19 Pandemic

Since the coronavirus became a global pandemic, life has not been the same. So far, no cure or vaccine has been found for the deadly virus. The disease is spread through contact with body fluids of infected people or surfaces contaminated with the virus. To curb the spread of the disease, experts have advised the public to:

• Avoid public gatherings such as church fellowships
• Maintain a one-meter distance apart from one another
• Avoid touching your face since your hands may be contaminated with the coronavirus
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water as often as possible throughout the day and sanitize using alcohol-based sanitizers
• Wear a mask when in crowded places to avoid the risk of breathing in the virus

Most of the global leaders have resulted in drastic measures to contain and curb the spread of the disease. Businesses have been closed, unemployment rates have risen, and the prices of most essential goods and services have gone up.

Health care services have also been affected by these measures taken by our leaders. For instance, dental clinics have been directed to admit only patients with dental emergencies. This means no random check-ups.

Parents are now left confused, not knowing what to do to ensure their children’s dental health is well maintained. As a parent, you should educate yourself on dental care to know how to face your child’s dental problems and ways of avoiding them in the first place.

Symptoms of Dental Complications in Children

In case your child is suffering from a dental ailment, he/she will exhibit either of the following symptoms:

• Abnormal swelling around or in their gums
• Tooth sensitivity when taking hot or cold foods
• Stained teeth
• Complaining of a foul taste in their mouth
• Excruciatingly painful toothache
• Your child complaining of pain when biting down. You may notice him avoiding to eat on one side

Benefits of Maintaining Your Childs Oral Health

Averts the risk of poor cognitive development

Child dentistry experts in Fort Myers, FL, have observed that poor oral hygiene can contribute to a lower IQ. Globally, children suffering from poor dental health have been found to have a low IQ.

Protects your child from chronic conditions

Medical professionals have found that dental infections may later lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It is, therefore, vital to care for your child’s gums and teeth to avert this risk.

Helps to boost your child’s confidence

Healthy teeth are known to improve a person’s facial appearance. If your child has broken front teeth or maybe gum disease, it is likely he will feel less attractive, therefore resulting in low self-esteem.

How to Maintain Your Child’s Oral Health During Covid 19?

Feed your child a healthy diet

You indeed are what you eat. Sugary foods have been proven to cause many dental complications. It would be best if you gave sugary treats in moderation. To boost their immunity and provide necessary minerals for healthy teeth,you should feed your child with plenty of green vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and ensure he drinks plenty of water.

Maintain a Regular Brushing Schedule

Our dentist, Dr. Jonathan Chouraqui, advises parents to ensure their children brush their teeth at least twice a day. Try your best to do it at the time every day to maintain a schedule.Since going for a check-up during this pandemic is not possible, you should brush your child’s teeth regularly to avoid dental infections.

Engage your child in their dental health

Although challenging, this is important to ensure your child maintains his dental health practices even in your absence. Ways you can make it fun for your child include:

• Come up with a way you can reward your child for brushing his teeth
• Brush your child’s teeth to their favorite song
• Try fun healthy recipes with your child

Choose the right toothpaste

You should ensure you choose a toothpaste appropriate with your child’s age. Ensure the toothpaste contains fluoride.

Though it is not possible to go for check-ups during this pandemic, in case your child has a dental emergency, you should promptly book an appointment with your dentist.A dental emergency is described to involve:

• Infection that may spread to other body parts like a tooth abscess
• Excessive bleeding
• Excruciatingly painful toothaches
• Trauma to the jaw or teeth that may result in broken jaws or teeth

Art Fort Myers Dental Arts, we have the expertise and facilities required to tend to a dental emergency. Our dentists using personal protective equipment will use their exceptional skills to ensure your child’s dental emergency is handled with care and precision.