In the Know For You To Know

For the last few years we’ve heard a lot about how the mouth affects the rest of the body. That the bacteria typically in the mouth has been found in other organs of the body and implicated in various diseases.

This does make sense since the mouth is the entrance to the body.

With this in mind, today is a good time to discuss how this mouth-body connection affects children.

What Is The Mouth-Body Connection?

This is the link between oral health as it relates to overall health. It’s the role that the harmful bacteria in our (children’s and yes parent’s too) mouths play in systemic disease.

Is There Science Behind The Mouth-Body Connection?

Everyone’s mouth (including children) has good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria help keep us healthy. With poor oral hygiene the bad bacteria over grow. The imbalance leads to inflammation and infection.

This inflammation and infection don’t stay in the mouth. They affect the rest of the body. With time and age this compounds on itself and affects disease progression.

What Diseases Are Oral Inflammation Linked To?

The bacteria and inflammation are linked to:

• Heart Disease by damaging blood vessels
• Diabetes Complications by making sugar control (and insulin) less effective which weakens the immune system
• Lung Infections by oral bacteria being inspired into the lungs
• Pregnancy Complications, Giving birth to pre-term, low birth weight and failure to thrive babies
• Brain Health by causing inflammation which is a major factor in neurodegenerative disease

It’s About More Than Teeth And Gums

Oral health affects children’s lives in ways that extend beyond cavities.

It’s important to look at:

• Sleep quality which can be affected by oral health and breathing patterns
• Speech development which can be influenced by oral health, dental and bone structures
• Self-confidence, social development and learning which are all affected by oral health, dental appearance and comfort
• Proper nutrition which depends on good oral health and healthy teeth for chewing and enjoying their food

Regular dental check-ups can sometimes reveal signs of health issues before they appear elsewhere in the body. This allows for prompt referrals to your pediatrician and other appropriate healthcare providers when necessary.

How Does Oral Health Affect The Immune System?

Inflammation and infection in the mouth are the same as it is in the rest of the body. The immune system goes into overdrive to fight it.

With chronic inflammation the immune system is always on high alert. and this leads to immune fatigue.

In other words, poor oral health puts stress on the immune system making children (and parents) susceptible to colds, viruses, and long term health issues.

How To Build Life Long Health Habits

As a parent knowing about and understanding the mouth-body connection allows you develop comprehensive health habits for your child and support them as they grow:

• Regular and routine dental check-ups are part of overall healthcare
• Good oral health habits and routines establish long term self-care patterns
• Making good food choices by being aware of how nutrition affects both oral and general health

These unified approaches to health can benefit your child as they grow and into adulthood.

What To Remember

Your child’s mouth isn’t just about teeth. The mouth is a window into the rest of their body, and oral health issues can influence and be influenced by your child’s general health.

Is your child a mouth breather? Are they a good sleeper, do they snore or do they wake up at during the night? Has your child missed school because of tooth or mouth pain? What is your family’s brushing habits? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!