New Report Reveals The Impact Of Poor Oral Health On A Child’s Self-Esteem
There is now convincing evidence that oral health and mental well-being are connected. Generally, your teeth and gums can often provide clues to the state of your health and highlight any problems. The obvious signs of poor dental hygiene are gum disease, cavities, bad breath, missing and discoloured teeth.
But gum disease isn’t just bad news for your teeth. If you don’t take proper care with your oral cleaning routine, you could face far more serious consequences than a toothache or some unsightly stains.
However, teeth that look good can encourage a positive state of mind because they inspire confidence, and a willingness to smile more. People with mental health problems, such as depression, are less likely to focus on their oral health and may have emotional and self-image problems.
The very nature of depression can impact on a person’s oral hygiene, often due to a decreased concern for their own well-being. Exercise and diet can be neglected and healthy meal choices replaced by comfort sugary foods that contribute to dental decay. The routine of cleaning teeth may also be overlooked, which can lead to problems such as gum disease.
READ ALSO: How To Care For Your Baby’s Early Teeth
According to a recent report by the Hidden Impact of Oral Health on Children’s Lives Global, children with poor oral health are nearly twice as likely to find it difficult to socialise with others.
In the first-ever global study looking at the wider impacts of oral health on children’s lives, a Toothpaste brand has produced evidence that the quality of a child’s oral care has repercussions beyond just health.
The report which was released as part of the annual World Oral Health Day celebrations by the brand, also found that tooth decay and other oral health diseases can cause knock-on effect on the potentials of children.
It was also gathered that children with poor health don’t just suffer bad breath, cavities and pain; poor oral health in childhood also causes hidden damage which limits their overall potential during education and beyond.
The report is based on new research commissioned as part of the brand’s ongoing mission to actively improve oral health for children and adults worldwide.
Speaking on the benefits of oral health for children, Head Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, Dr Bola Alonge noted,
READ ALSO: Oral Care: 8 Teeth-brushing Mistakes You Are Making
“Oral care puts tooth decay and other oral diseases in check just as it helps to boost the potential of children and make them participate actively in academic and extra-curricular activities.
The well-being of children should be handled with a sense of purpose; thus it is vital to make them appreciate oral hygiene from tender ages. This will help to protect their future.”
Dr Timi Akinmuda, a renowned dentist of the Blanche Dental clinic who also spoke on the research stated;
“Children not going for routine checkups are twice as likely to experience pain. Most children’s dental visits are for oral health problems, not check-ups, thereby contributing to them linking dental checks to anxiety.
Most parents & children also claim to brush twice a day, but some parents occasionally ‘reward’ their children with skipping brushing. These children are more likely to suffer from pain. We must therefore instill the importance of habitual and proper twice a day brushing”.
Speaking on the findings of the research, Category Manager (Oral Care), Unilever Nigeria Plc, Toluwaleke Salu said:
”The results from the paper make a compelling, evidence-based case that a child’s oral care has a link with self-esteem. Parents should therefore take their children’s oral health seriously by ensuring their children brush twice a day regularly to prevent the repercussions.”
Source: Mental Health Matters