By Guest Blogger: ThanksDrMom.com, Marie Johnson
As kids reach elementary and middle school, the topic of braces (orthodontics) comes up more frequently. Should parents spend the money to straighten their kids’ teeth? Is it for purely a cosmetic reason? You may be surprised to know there are significant health reasons to seriously consider providing orthodontic treatment for your child.
Aside from the obvious esthetic reasons for orthodontics, a healthy mouth and straight teeth in kids are very important concerns because:
1) Straight teeth are easier to keep clean - healthy teeth and gums are extremely important to our overall health, adults and kids alike! Did you know that gum disease is closely linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes?
2) A poor bite can lead to muscle problems and headaches.
3) Crooked teeth will wear unevenly, which may lead to future dental problems and the need for future dental restorations such as crowns.
4) It is best to straighten teeth earlier when a child’s mouth and palate are still growing to avoid extracting teeth...and treatment may take less time as a child rather than adult orthodontics.
5) If crowding of the teeth is present, orthodontically creating space and growth in the mouth can help prevent future dental problems and possibly obstructive sleep apnea (a serious condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep).
If you are faced with the question of whether or not to straighten you kids’ teeth, remember that cosmetic reasons are not the only factors involved. Serious health issues may need to be considered. Talk to your family dentist. Find out ALL the details of your child’s diagnosis. Then, decide what is best for your child and your family.
“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605
And if insurance coverage is a deciding factor for you, follow Robert Brault’s advise (www.robertbrault.com), “My health plan doesn’t cover dental, so I enrolled my teeth as 32 dependents, each needing a complete physical once a year.”
