November is National Diabetes Month, which means that there’s no better time for you to learn how your child’s condition is impacting the health of their smile. Routine visits to their pediatric dentist in Naperville can help them avoid oral issues that they’re at a higher risk of developing, such as gum disease. Read on to learn how you can protect your little one’s priceless growing smile and overall wellbeing with preventive dental care.
What Does the Research Say?
According to an article published by The Journal of Multidisciplinary Care Decisions in Dentistry, about 208,000 people under 20 years old are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the United States. The link between gum disease and diabetes has been widely studied, allowing dentists to understand how they can best care for children’s wellbeing. Dr. Dorothy Rowe found that compared to nondiabetic children, diabetic children have been reported to experience greater gum inflammation and tooth loss caused by gum disease.
Gum disease can first begin impacting your child’s oral health early in their life, becoming more severe and destructive as they become teenagers. As this condition develops, it can in turn impact their ability to control their blood sugar levels, making it more difficult for them to manage their diabetes. According to the article, the link between the two could be chronic inflammation that weakens their body’s ability to fight off infections.
What is Children’s Preventive Dentistry?
Even though your child’s mouth isn’t fully developed until they reach their pre-teens, it’s still vital to take them to receive dental checkups in Naperville to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. Without a strong foundation, their permanent teeth could be at risk. When you take them for a routine semi-annual appointment, their dentist will:
- Check for early signs of dental decay and gum disease.
- Help them develop a dental hygiene routine at home to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
- Prevent bad oral habits like nail-biting from causing infections or other issues.
- Clear tartar and plaque buildup from their gumline, reducing their risk of developing gum disease and cavities.
With proper professional care, your child will gain the tools and knowledge they need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile as adults. Plus, if your child has diabetes, good oral hygiene and health can make it easier to control their medical condition.
How Can You Protect Your Child’s Smile at Home?
The best way to protect your little one’s smile at home is to make sure that they’re building healthy habits. Some ways you can keep their oral health in check is to:
- Make sure they brush twice a day.
- Make sure they floss every day.
- Encourage them to maintain a nutritious diet.
- Choose oral hygiene products that are the right size for them.
If you have any questions about how to motivate your child to care for their oral health, don’t hesitate to ask their emergency dentist in Naperville. Helping your child maintain the health of their teeth and gums can benefit their overall wellbeing. That way, you’ll be able to continue enjoying their natural and beautiful smile when they grow up.
About the Practice
At Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we have a talented and experienced team of dentists that are passionate about working with children. They have completed advanced training focused on caring for developing smiles and giving little ones the tools they need to keep their mouths healthy. They provide comprehensive dental service and love working with patients who have special needs! For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning for your child, visit our website or call 630-995-3393.