Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of MichiganDrs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

Healthy Teeth Makes for a Happy Life

Helping Your Child Lead a Happy and Healthy Life

When it comes to their children, parents will do nearly anything to provide the best life possible. Luckily one of the easiest ways to ensure that your child enjoys a happy life is to also ensure that they lead a healthy life - especially with regard to their teeth. Here are a few reasons why a healthy mouth can lead to bigger smiles.

According to HG News, poor attention to dental care can be linked to behavioral and developmental problems in children. Because lack of dental care can lead to an inability to properly chew (and therefore, digest) food, children with dental problems may become malnourished. Malnourishment can lead to a variety of problems in children, including stunted growth and maturity, gum disease, and social, learning, or psychological problems.

Helping Your Child Lead a Happy and Healthy Life

• Aside from physical health problems, it is also possible that lack of care for teeth can cause a significant detriment to a child’s outer appearance. If a child is uncomfortable with the way his or her teeth look, it is likely that self-esteem issues may emerge. Children may also appear to be less friendly or outgoing than they actually are due to a decrease in the frequency of their smiles, which can, in turn, affect their social lives.

Proactive MeasuresThere are a number of measures that you can take in order to

keep your child’s mouth healthy (and the rest of them happy!)

1. Brushing and Flossing: Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day and, if possible, after eating a meal or snack. Flossing is an essential part of the dental care process because it removes food particles and plaque that has become stuck between teeth. If your child resists flossing at first, try to encourage the habit by allowing them to do it while doing something else they enjoy, like watching television. You most likely will have to floss for your child until they are at least 7 years old or older.

2. Eat Right: A healthy diet is also crucial in maintaining your child’s dental health. Keeping the amount of sugary foods to a minimum will help as sugar is the main thing cavity causing bacteria feed on to cause decay. If your child is a juice drinker, dilute the juice to 50% with water in order to cut the amount of sugar your child ingests at one time.

3. Say No To Tobacco: Encourage your children to stay away from all tobacco products, which can wreak havoc on the teeth and mouth. The best way to teach your children to avoid tobacco is to set a good example - don’t smoke around your children if you can help it.

4. Get Regular Dental Care: be sure to see your dentist every six months for regular checkups. If you do not have the funds to provide regular dental care for your child, there are a number of services provided through hospitals, clinics, and schools that exist to help families in need. If you qualify for these services, prices for services can be deeply reduced or even eliminated.

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

About Us

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of MichiganDrs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200Clinton Township, MI 48038

586-286-0700www.mychildsteeth.com